CVE-2025-38478: comedi: Fix initialization of data for instructions that write to subdevice
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
comedi: Fix initialization of data for instructions that write to subdevice
Some Comedi subdevice instruction handlers are known to access
instruction data elements beyond the first `insn->n` elements in some
cases. The `do_insn_ioctl()` and `do_insnlist_ioctl()` functions
allocate at least `MIN_SAMPLES` (16) data elements to deal with this,
but they do not initialize all of that. For Comedi instruction codes
that write to the subdevice, the first `insn->n` data elements are
copied from user-space, but the remaining elements are left
uninitialized. That could be a problem if the subdevice instruction
handler reads the uninitialized data. Ensure that the first
`MIN_SAMPLES` elements are initialized before calling these instruction
handlers, filling the uncopied elements with 0. For
`do_insnlist_ioctl()`, the same data buffer elements are used for
handling a list of instructions, so ensure the first `MIN_SAMPLES`
elements are initialized for each instruction that writes to the
subdevice.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A flaw in the Linux Comedi subsystem can expose uninitialized kernel data to certain device instruction handlers. A local, low-privileged user may be able to trigger serious confidentiality, integrity, or availability effects. Risk is concentrated on systems using Comedi-supported data-acquisition hardware, not ordinary remote-facing services.
Executive priority
Treat as a high-priority local kernel issue on scientific, industrial, laboratory, or control systems that actually use Comedi. Patch those systems promptly after operational testing. For systems without Comedi exposure, validate applicability before emergency action; the supplied evidence does not indicate a remotely exploitable or actively exploited threat.
Technical view
Comedi ioctl paths allocate at least 16 data elements, but previously initialized only the elements copied from user space. Some write-instruction handlers may read beyond that copied portion. The stable fixes zero the first 16 elements before each applicable instruction, including every instruction processed through an instruction list.
Likely exposure
Potentially affected Linux systems must have the vulnerable Comedi code and a reachable Comedi device interface. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges according to CVSS. The supplied version data identifies affected kernel branches and stable fixes, but does not establish which deployed distribution builds remain vulnerable.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is established: the bundle marks KEV false and provides no cited evidence of exploitation in the wild or public weaponization. The 7.8 CVSS rating reflects potentially high impact with local, low-privileged access, low complexity, and no user interaction.
Researcher notes
The defect is an initialization failure in do_insn_ioctl() and do_insnlist_ioctl(). Its practical impact depends on the behavior of individual subdevice handlers reading beyond insn->n. The bundle provides fixes across stable branches but no demonstrated exploit path, affected handler inventory, CWE assignment, or distribution-wide package mapping.
Mitigation direction
Install a distribution kernel containing the applicable upstream stable fix.
Consult the Linux distributor advisory to map package versions to fixed kernels.
Prioritize hosts where Comedi devices or drivers are actively used.
If updates are delayed, restrict untrusted local access under documented vendor guidance.
Validation and detection
Inventory kernel and distribution package versions on systems using Comedi.
Confirm the installed package includes the relevant upstream stable commit.
Identify whether Comedi drivers and device interfaces are present and accessible.
Retest normal data-acquisition operations after applying the updated kernel.
Monitor vendor advisories for corrected version mappings or additional guidance.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
11Source links
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.