CVE-2025-38630: fbdev: imxfb: Check fb_add_videomode to prevent null-ptr-deref
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fbdev: imxfb: Check fb_add_videomode to prevent null-ptr-deref
fb_add_videomode() can fail with -ENOMEM when its internal kmalloc() cannot
allocate a struct fb_modelist. If that happens, the modelist stays empty but
the driver continues to register. Add a check for its return value to prevent
poteintial null-ptr-deref, which is similar to the commit 17186f1f90d3 ("fbdev:
Fix do_register_framebuffer to prevent null-ptr-deref in fb_videomode_to_var").
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue can lead to a kernel crash when the imxfb framebuffer driver mishandles a failed memory allocation. The public record does not provide CVSS scoring or evidence of active exploitation. Business urgency is highest for Linux systems that use this driver, especially embedded or appliance-style deployments where kernel crashes affect availability.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability risk, not a broad emergency. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, but accelerate for systems relying on imxfb where a crash could disrupt production, devices, or customer-facing services.
Technical view
In fbdev imxfb, fb_add_videomode() can return -ENOMEM. If unchecked, the driver may continue registration with an empty modelist, creating a potential null-pointer dereference path similar to a prior framebuffer registration fix. Kernel stable commits add return-value handling to prevent the unsafe registration path.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux kernels that include and use the imxfb framebuffer driver. Systems not using this driver are less likely to be affected. The source bundle lists Linux kernel versions as affected but does not provide a clear product-by-product distribution matrix.
Exploitation context
No KEV listing is present, and the supplied sources do not claim active exploitation. The issue depends on a failed internal memory allocation, so the most supported impact is local system instability or denial of service rather than confirmed code execution.
Researcher notes
The public data lacks CVSS, CWE, and exploit details. The vulnerability is tied to error handling around fb_add_videomode() returning -ENOMEM. Analysis should focus on affected kernel branches, driver configuration, and whether downstream vendor kernels have backported the stable commits.
Mitigation direction
Apply kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Debian LTS users should review and apply the cited Debian advisory updates.
Prioritize systems where imxfb or fbdev support is enabled or required.
If patching is delayed, follow vendor guidance for unused driver reduction.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux systems and kernel versions.
Check whether the imxfb framebuffer driver is built, loaded, or required.
Confirm the running kernel includes a referenced stable fix commit.
Review vendor advisories for distribution-specific fixed packages.
Monitor kernel logs for framebuffer null-pointer dereference crashes.
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-2025-38630 mapping review
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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
11Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Aug 22, 2025, 16:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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