CVE-2025-38352: posix-cpu-timers: fix race between handle_posix_cpu_timers() and posix_cpu_timer_del()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
posix-cpu-timers: fix race between handle_posix_cpu_timers() and posix_cpu_timer_del()
If an exiting non-autoreaping task has already passed exit_notify() and
calls handle_posix_cpu_timers() from IRQ, it can be reaped by its parent
or debugger right after unlock_task_sighand().
If a concurrent posix_cpu_timer_del() runs at that moment, it won't be
able to detect timer->it.cpu.firing != 0: cpu_timer_task_rcu() and/or
lock_task_sighand() will fail.
Add the tsk->exit_state check into run_posix_cpu_timers() to fix this.
This fix is not needed if CONFIG_POSIX_CPU_TIMERS_TASK_WORK=y, because
exit_task_work() is called before exit_notify(). But the check still
makes sense, task_work_add(&tsk->posix_cputimers_work.work) will fail
anyway in this case.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-38352 is a Linux kernel race condition in POSIX CPU timer handling. A local process can hit a timing flaw while a task is exiting, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact per CVSS. CISA KEV listing means exploitation has been observed; exact real-world impact details are not provided in the bundle.
Executive priority
Treat as urgent for Linux estates because it is high severity and KEV-listed. Prioritize patching shared infrastructure, developer systems, container hosts, and any environment where attackers may execute local code. Do not wait for public exploit details to become clearer.
Technical view
The flaw is a CWE-367 race between handle_posix_cpu_timers() and posix_cpu_timer_del(). After exit_notify(), a non-autoreaping task can be reaped after unlock_task_sighand(), preventing concurrent timer deletion from detecting a firing timer. Kernel stable fixes add an exit_state check in run_posix_cpu_timers().
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant on Linux systems running affected kernel versions or downstream builds without the stable backport. The bundle lists affected Linux kernel ranges including 2.6.36 through fixed stable-line versions. Systems that run untrusted local workloads should be prioritized.
Exploitation context
CISA KEV indicates known exploitation. The bundle also cites a public GitHub repository tagged as exploit. The vulnerability is local, high-complexity, and requires no privileges or user interaction per CVSS; the sources do not provide safe details on exploitation mechanics or observed targets.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports a kernel race in exiting task timer handling, fixed across multiple stable commits. CONFIG_POSIX_CPU_TIMERS_TASK_WORK=y reduces need for the fix according to the description, but the upstream check was still added. The bundle does not specify affected distributions beyond listed Debian LTS references.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates containing the POSIX CPU timer race fix.
Use distribution advisories, including Debian LTS where applicable, to identify patched packages.
Prioritize multi-user systems and hosts running untrusted local code.
Reduce exposure to untrusted local execution until patched.
Track CISA KEV remediation deadlines if subject to BOD 22-01.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, workstations, and appliances.
Confirm each kernel includes the referenced stable POSIX CPU timer fix.
Check distro security advisories for CVE-2025-38352 coverage.
Review fleet vulnerability scanner results for unresolved Linux kernel findings.
Verify reboot completion after kernel package updates.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-367: Exact CWE lookup
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These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
Exploitation: activeAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-367 · source CWE mapping
Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition
Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.