CVE-2025-38563: perf/core: Prevent VMA split of buffer mappings
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
perf/core: Prevent VMA split of buffer mappings
The perf mmap code is careful about mmap()'ing the user page with the
ringbuffer and additionally the auxiliary buffer, when the event supports
it. Once the first mapping is established, subsequent mapping have to use
the same offset and the same size in both cases. The reference counting for
the ringbuffer and the auxiliary buffer depends on this being correct.
Though perf does not prevent that a related mapping is split via mmap(2),
munmap(2) or mremap(2). A split of a VMA results in perf_mmap_open() calls,
which take reference counts, but then the subsequent perf_mmap_close()
calls are not longer fulfilling the offset and size checks. This leads to
reference count leaks.
As perf already has the requirement for subsequent mappings to match the
initial mapping, the obvious consequence is that VMA splits, caused by
resizing of a mapping or partial unmapping, have to be prevented.
Implement the vm_operations_struct::may_split() callback and return
unconditionally -EINVAL.
That ensures that the mapping offsets and sizes cannot be changed after the
fact. Remapping to a different fixed address with the same size is still
possible as it takes the references for the new mapping and drops those of
the old mapping.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-38563 is a Linux kernel perf subsystem flaw involving memory mappings used for performance monitoring buffers. Certain mapping changes could leak internal reference counts. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, impact class, or confirmed attacker outcome, so urgency should be driven by kernel exposure and vendor guidance.
Executive priority
Treat this as a kernel maintenance priority, not a confirmed emergency from the provided evidence. Patch during the next accelerated Linux update cycle, with higher priority for multi-user systems, shared compute, containers with weak isolation, and environments allowing local code execution.
Technical view
perf mmap buffer mappings require later mappings to preserve original offset and size. The issue allowed VMA splits through mmap, munmap, or mremap, causing perf_mmap_open reference increments that perf_mmap_close checks no longer matched. The kernel fix adds may_split and rejects splitting with EINVAL.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel lines listed in the CVE data, including several 5.x and 6.x stable lines. Exact exposure depends on distribution backports and kernel package versions, so inventory should compare installed kernels with vendor advisories and stable commits.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not show KEV listing or active exploitation. It describes a local kernel behavior reachable through perf mmap mapping changes, but does not establish a reliable exploit path, privilege impact, or weaponized public exploit.
Researcher notes
The key behavior is reference-count leakage after splitting perf buffer VMAs. The published fix prevents VMA splitting for these mappings while preserving remapping to another fixed address with the same size. Impact details remain incomplete in the supplied sources.
Mitigation direction
Check Linux distribution advisories for fixed kernel packages.
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced stable commits.
Prioritize hosts where untrusted local users can access perf features.
Review perf_event access controls as a temporary risk-reduction measure.
Track Debian LTS notices if using Debian-based systems.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions across Linux hosts.
Map installed kernels to vendor advisories or stable commit backports.
Confirm CVE-2025-38563 is marked fixed by the distribution package metadata.
Review whether local users can access perf_event functionality.
Reboot systems after kernel updates and verify the active kernel.
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
13Source 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, 17:02 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.