CVE-2025-38512: wifi: prevent A-MSDU attacks in mesh networks
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: prevent A-MSDU attacks in mesh networks
This patch is a mitigation to prevent the A-MSDU spoofing vulnerability
for mesh networks. The initial update to the IEEE 802.11 standard, in
response to the FragAttacks, missed this case (CVE-2025-27558). It can
be considered a variant of CVE-2020-24588 but for mesh networks.
This patch tries to detect if a standard MSDU was turned into an A-MSDU
by an adversary. This is done by parsing a received A-MSDU as a standard
MSDU, calculating the length of the Mesh Control header, and seeing if
the 6 bytes after this header equal the start of an rfc1042 header. If
equal, this is a strong indication of an ongoing attack attempt.
This defense was tested with mac80211_hwsim against a mesh network that
uses an empty Mesh Address Extension field, i.e., when four addresses
are used, and when using a 12-byte Mesh Address Extension field, i.e.,
when six addresses are used. Functionality of normal MSDUs and A-MSDUs
was also tested, and confirmed working, when using both an empty and
12-byte Mesh Address Extension field.
It was also tested with mac80211_hwsim that A-MSDU attacks in non-mesh
networks keep being detected and prevented.
Note that the vulnerability being patched, and the defense being
implemented, was also discussed in the following paper and in the
following IEEE 802.11 presentation:
https://papers.mathyvanhoef.com/wisec2025.pdf
https://mentor.ieee.org/802.11/dcn/25/11-25-0949-00-000m-a-msdu-mesh-spoof-protection.docx
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-38512 is a Linux kernel Wi-Fi mesh vulnerability related to A-MSDU spoofing. The sources describe it as a FragAttacks-related variant affecting mesh networks, not ordinary internet-facing services. Business urgency depends on whether Linux devices operate Wi-Fi mesh networks using affected kernel builds.
Executive priority
Prioritize this for wireless mesh infrastructure, embedded Linux devices, and Linux-based network appliances. For general servers without Wi-Fi mesh use, urgency is lower but still requires normal kernel patch governance because affected-version evidence is incomplete.
Technical view
The fix mitigates attacks where an adversary turns a standard MSDU into an A-MSDU in mesh networks. The kernel now detects suspicious frames by parsing mesh headers and checking for an RFC1042 header pattern after the Mesh Control header. The source states testing covered mesh and non-mesh cases with mac80211_hwsim.
Likely exposure
Likely exposure is limited to Linux systems using Wi-Fi mesh networking on affected kernels. The source bundle does not identify specific distributions beyond a Debian LTS advisory reference, device classes, CVSS score, or required attacker proximity.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not listed as KEV in the provided bundle. The sources discuss attack prevention and testing, but do not provide evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Treat exploitation status as unconfirmed.
Researcher notes
This appears to address an IEEE 802.11 mesh-specific A-MSDU spoofing gap related to FragAttacks and CVE-2020-24588/CVE-2025-27558. The bundle provides kernel commit references and test notes, but no CVSS, CWE, exploit telemetry, or detailed distribution matrix.
Mitigation direction
Check vendor kernel advisories for CVE-2025-38512 fixes.
Update affected Linux kernels to a vendor-supported fixed build.
Prioritize devices using Wi-Fi mesh functionality.
Track Debian LTS guidance if using Debian-packaged kernels.
Avoid assuming non-mesh Wi-Fi exposure without vendor confirmation.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux systems with Wi-Fi mesh networking enabled.
Map kernel versions against vendor CVE-2025-38512 advisories.
Confirm patched kernels include the referenced stable commits.
Review distribution advisories for backported fixes.
Document systems where mesh Wi-Fi is disabled or absent.
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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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
7Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Aug 16, 2025, 10:54 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.