CVE-2025-38553: net/sched: Restrict conditions for adding duplicating netems to qdisc tree
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/sched: Restrict conditions for adding duplicating netems to qdisc tree
netem_enqueue's duplication prevention logic breaks when a netem
resides in a qdisc tree with other netems - this can lead to a
soft lockup and OOM loop in netem_dequeue, as seen in [1].
Ensure that a duplicating netem cannot exist in a tree with other
netems.
Previous approaches suggested in discussions in chronological order:
1) Track duplication status or ttl in the sk_buff struct. Considered
too specific a use case to extend such a struct, though this would
be a resilient fix and address other previous and potential future
DOS bugs like the one described in loopy fun [2].
2) Restrict netem_enqueue recursion depth like in act_mirred with a
per cpu variable. However, netem_dequeue can call enqueue on its
child, and the depth restriction could be bypassed if the child is a
netem.
3) Use the same approach as in 2, but add metadata in netem_skb_cb
to handle the netem_dequeue case and track a packet's involvement
in duplication. This is an overly complex approach, and Jamal
notes that the skb cb can be overwritten to circumvent this
safeguard.
4) Prevent the addition of a netem to a qdisc tree if its ancestral
path contains a netem. However, filters and actions can cause a
packet to change paths when re-enqueued to the root from netem
duplication, leading us to the current solution: prevent a
duplicating netem from inhabiting the same tree as other netems.
[1] https://lore.kernel.org/netdev/8DuRWwfqjoRDLDmBMlIfbrsZg9Gx50DHJc1ilxsEBNe2D6NMoigR_eIRIG0LOjMc3r10nUUZtArXx4oZBIdUfZQrwjcQhdinnMis_0G7VEk=@willsroot.io/
[2] https://lwn.net/Articles/719297/
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-38553 is a Linux kernel traffic-control flaw in netem, a component used to simulate network conditions. Certain nested netem queue configurations can trigger a soft lockup and memory exhaustion loop, creating a denial-of-service risk on affected kernels.
Executive priority
Prioritize patching on production Linux systems where network shaping, testing, or delegated network administration is present. Broader emergency response is not supported by the provided sources because active exploitation and CVSS severity are not documented.
Technical view
The issue is in net/sched netem qdisc handling. Existing duplication prevention fails when a duplicating netem exists in a qdisc tree with other netems, allowing netem_dequeue behavior that can loop into soft lockup and OOM. Kernel stable fixes restrict such qdisc tree combinations.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant on Linux systems where netem or traffic-control qdisc configuration is available or used for testing, shaping, containers, labs, or networking appliances. The source bundle does not provide CPEs, CVSS, or exact privilege prerequisites.
Exploitation context
The bundle links the flaw to a reported soft lockup and OOM loop, but KEV is false and no cited source states active exploitation. Treat this as a denial-of-service vulnerability with incomplete public exploit-context detail.
Researcher notes
Root cause is a qdisc tree state that permits duplicating netems alongside other netems, undermining duplication prevention. The upstream discussion considered skb metadata, recursion-depth tracking, and ancestry checks before choosing a structural restriction.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor Linux kernel updates containing the stable netem restriction fix.
Check Debian LTS advisories if running affected Debian LTS kernels.
Review vendor guidance for your exact distribution and kernel branch.
Limit who can configure traffic-control qdisc/netem settings on production hosts.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across hosts, containers, appliances, and lab systems.
Identify systems using netem or traffic-control qdisc features.
Compare installed kernels against vendor advisories and stable kernel fixes.
Confirm updated kernels are running after maintenance windows or reboots.
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-2025-38553 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
12Source 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 19, 2025, 06:06 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.