CVE-2025-38513: wifi: zd1211rw: Fix potential NULL pointer dereference in zd_mac_tx_to_dev()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: zd1211rw: Fix potential NULL pointer dereference in zd_mac_tx_to_dev()
There is a potential NULL pointer dereference in zd_mac_tx_to_dev(). For
example, the following is possible:
T0 T1
zd_mac_tx_to_dev()
/* len == skb_queue_len(q) */
while (len > ZD_MAC_MAX_ACK_WAITERS) {
filter_ack()
spin_lock_irqsave(&q->lock, flags);
/* position == skb_queue_len(q) */
for (i=1; i<position; i++)
skb = __skb_dequeue(q)
if (mac->type == NL80211_IFTYPE_AP)
skb = __skb_dequeue(q);
spin_unlock_irqrestore(&q->lock, flags);
skb_dequeue() -> NULL
Since there is a small gap between checking skb queue length and skb being
unconditionally dequeued in zd_mac_tx_to_dev(), skb_dequeue() can return NULL.
Then the pointer is passed to zd_mac_tx_status() where it is dereferenced.
In order to avoid potential NULL pointer dereference due to situations like
above, check if skb is not NULL before passing it to zd_mac_tx_status().
Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel Wi-Fi driver bug that can dereference a missing packet buffer after a queue race. The public data does not provide CVSS, confirmed exploitation, or a complete impact statement. Treat it mainly as a stability and availability concern for systems that include and use the zd1211rw wireless driver.
Executive priority
Handle through normal kernel patch management unless zd1211rw wireless hardware is business-critical or widely deployed. There is no cited active exploitation, but kernel NULL dereferences can cause service disruption and should not be ignored.
Technical view
In zd_mac_tx_to_dev(), queue length is checked before skb_dequeue() is called. A concurrent filter_ack() path can drain the queue, causing skb_dequeue() to return NULL. The NULL skb is then passed to zd_mac_tx_status(), where it can be dereferenced. The kernel fix adds a NULL check before calling zd_mac_tx_status().
Likely exposure
Most relevant exposure is Linux systems running affected kernel builds with the zd1211rw Wi-Fi driver present and in use. The bundle lists Linux as affected and provides multiple stable kernel fix references, but it does not define vulnerable distributions beyond Debian LTS advisories.
Exploitation context
The source describes a race condition and potential NULL pointer dereference. CISA KEV status is false, and the bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation, public exploit code, remote reachability, or privilege requirements.
Researcher notes
Evidence is strongest for root cause and fix direction, not exploitability. The race involves skb queue handling between zd_mac_tx_to_dev() and filter_ack(). No CVSS, CWE, attack vector, or confirmed impact beyond potential NULL pointer dereference is supplied.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor or distribution kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize assets using the zd1211rw wireless driver or affected Debian LTS kernels.
If patch timing is unclear, monitor Linux and distribution advisories for exact fixed packages.
Consider disabling unused zd1211rw hardware support where operationally feasible.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and whether the zd1211rw driver is installed or loaded.
Map kernel packages against vendor advisories and stable fix commit references.
Confirm Debian LTS systems received the relevant October 2025 kernel security updates.
Review crash telemetry for NULL dereference patterns in zd1211rw paths.
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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CVE-2025-38513 mapping review
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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.
0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
11Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Aug 16, 2025, 10:55 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.