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CVE Record

CVE-2025-38656: wifi: iwlwifi: Fix error code in iwl_op_mode_dvm_start()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: iwlwifi: Fix error code in iwl_op_mode_dvm_start() Preserve the error code if iwl_setup_deferred_work() fails. The current code returns ERR_PTR(0) (which is NULL) on this path. I believe the missing error code potentially leads to a use after free involving debugfs.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2025-38656 is a Linux kernel Wi-Fi driver flaw in iwlwifi. A failed startup path may incorrectly return success, potentially leaving debugfs-related state in a use-after-free condition. Public sources do not provide CVSS scoring, confirmed exploitation, or a complete affected-version matrix.

Executive priority

Track and patch through normal kernel maintenance unless local exposure is high. Raise priority for fleets with Intel Wi-Fi on Linux workstations or appliances, especially where kernel memory-safety bugs are treated as elevated risk.

Technical view

The issue is in iwl_op_mode_dvm_start(). If iwl_setup_deferred_work() fails, the code can return ERR_PTR(0), effectively NULL, instead of preserving the failure code. The kernel fix preserves the error path. The CVE notes a possible use-after-free involving debugfs, but gives no exploitability details.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using the Intel iwlwifi DVM driver path in affected kernel builds. Servers without relevant Intel Wi-Fi hardware or driver loading are less likely exposed. The supplied data does not fully map distributions or package versions.

Exploitation context

The CVE is not listed as KEV in the provided bundle, and no cited source claims active exploitation. The described condition is a kernel driver error-handling flaw with potential memory-safety impact, but practical attack prerequisites are not stated.

Researcher notes

Evidence is sparse. The public record identifies the faulty function, failed helper, incorrect NULL-like error return, and possible debugfs use-after-free. It does not provide CVSS, exploit conditions, attacker locality, or distribution-specific fix status.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply Linux kernel or distribution updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
  • Check vendor kernel advisories for affected and fixed package versions.
  • Prioritize laptops, workstations, and embedded Linux devices using Intel iwlwifi DVM.
  • Treat debugfs exposure cautiously where vendor hardening guidance exists.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux assets for kernel versions and Intel iwlwifi driver use.
  • Compare installed kernel source or packages against the referenced stable commits.
  • Check distribution advisories for CVE-2025-38656 remediation status.
  • Confirm patched systems no longer contain the faulty error-return path.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2025-38656 mapping review

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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
0ADP providers
4Source 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.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxc0e43c3f6c0a79381b468574c241065998412b7c, 70a1b527eaea9430b1bd87de59f3b9f6bd225701, 90a0d9f339960448a3acc1437a46730f975efd6a, c80832d445653baba5ac80cd2c2637c437ac881b, b398120fbe0acfef60b16f6a0f69902d385d7728, 2e9f85ee3b46453a2f250a57d3a9f10c70c71202, 6663c52608d8d8727bf1911e6d9218069ba1c85e, ca980f1911a7144d451d1c31298ab8507c6bd88f, 7dd6350307af6521b6240b295c93b7eec4daebe6, 5.4.297, 5.10.241, 5.15.190, 6.1.148, 6.6.102, 6.12.42unaffected
LinuxLinuxSee advisoryunaffected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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