CVE-2025-38527: smb: client: fix use-after-free in cifs_oplock_break
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
smb: client: fix use-after-free in cifs_oplock_break
A race condition can occur in cifs_oplock_break() leading to a
use-after-free of the cinode structure when unmounting:
cifs_oplock_break()
_cifsFileInfo_put(cfile)
cifsFileInfo_put_final()
cifs_sb_deactive()
[last ref, start releasing sb]
kill_sb()
kill_anon_super()
generic_shutdown_super()
evict_inodes()
dispose_list()
evict()
destroy_inode()
call_rcu(&inode->i_rcu, i_callback)
spin_lock(&cinode->open_file_lock) <- OK
[later] i_callback()
cifs_free_inode()
kmem_cache_free(cinode)
spin_unlock(&cinode->open_file_lock) <- UAF
cifs_done_oplock_break(cinode) <- UAF
The issue occurs when umount has already released its reference to the
superblock. When _cifsFileInfo_put() calls cifs_sb_deactive(), this
releases the last reference, triggering the immediate cleanup of all
inodes under RCU. However, cifs_oplock_break() continues to access the
cinode after this point, resulting in use-after-free.
Fix this by holding an extra reference to the superblock during the
entire oplock break operation. This ensures that the superblock and
its inodes remain valid until the oplock break completes.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-38527 is a Linux kernel SMB/CIFS client bug. During an unmount race, the kernel can keep using a freed inode structure. That is a memory safety failure in kernel space, but the supplied sources do not state exploitability, impact level, or active abuse.
Executive priority
Track this as a kernel memory-safety issue requiring normal vulnerability management urgency, higher for SMB/CIFS-heavy environments. Do not claim emergency exploitation based on the supplied evidence.
Technical view
The flaw is a use-after-free in cifs_oplock_break(). _cifsFileInfo_put() can release the final superblock reference during unmount, allowing inode cleanup under RCU while cifs_oplock_break() continues using cinode. The kernel fix holds an extra superblock reference for the full oplock-break operation.
Likely exposure
Systems using affected Linux kernels with the SMB/CIFS client code are the relevant exposure. Practical risk depends on kernel version, distribution backports, and whether SMB/CIFS mounts are used. The bundle does not identify specific appliances or cloud images.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. It describes a race condition during unmount, not a public exploit path. Treat weaponization and required attacker position as unconfirmed from these sources.
Researcher notes
The key remediation detail is lifetime management: keep the superblock and inodes valid until oplock break completion. The affected-version data in the bundle is sparse and partly commit-based, so distro-specific fixed-version confirmation is necessary.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize hosts using SMB/CIFS mounts or file-sharing integrations.
Check distribution advisories, including Debian LTS, for packaged fixed kernels.
If patching is delayed, reduce unnecessary SMB/CIFS client use where operationally feasible.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, workstations, containers hosts, and appliances.
Identify systems with active or configured CIFS/SMB client mounts.
Map installed distro kernels to vendor advisories and backported fixes.
Confirm updated kernels are booted, not merely installed.
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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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
8Source 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, 11:12 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.