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CVE Record

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/

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

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.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
12

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CVECVE Program Container
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fd, 0afb51e72855971dba83b3c6b70c547c2d1161fdunaffected
LinuxLinux2.6.12, 0, 5.4.297, 5.10.241, 5.15.190, 6.1.148, 6.6.102, 6.12.42, 6.15.10, 6.16.1, 6.17affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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