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CVE Record

CVE-2025-38670: arm64/entry: Mask DAIF in cpu_switch_to(), call_on_irq_stack()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: arm64/entry: Mask DAIF in cpu_switch_to(), call_on_irq_stack() `cpu_switch_to()` and `call_on_irq_stack()` manipulate SP to change to different stacks along with the Shadow Call Stack if it is enabled. Those two stack changes cannot be done atomically and both functions can be interrupted by SErrors or Debug Exceptions which, though unlikely, is very much broken : if interrupted, we can end up with mismatched stacks and Shadow Call Stack leading to clobbered stacks. In `cpu_switch_to()`, it can happen when SP_EL0 points to the new task, but x18 stills points to the old task's SCS. When the interrupt handler tries to save the task's SCS pointer, it will save the old task SCS pointer (x18) into the new task struct (pointed to by SP_EL0), clobbering it. In `call_on_irq_stack()`, it can happen when switching from the task stack to the IRQ stack and when switching back. In both cases, we can be interrupted when the SCS pointer points to the IRQ SCS, but SP points to the task stack. The nested interrupt handler pushes its return addresses on the IRQ SCS. It then detects that SP points to the task stack, calls `call_on_irq_stack()` and clobbers the task SCS pointer with the IRQ SCS pointer, which it will also use ! This leads to tasks returning to addresses on the wrong SCS, or even on the IRQ SCS, triggering kernel panics via CONFIG_VMAP_STACK or FPAC if enabled. This is possible on a default config, but unlikely. However, when enabling CONFIG_ARM64_PSEUDO_NMI, DAIF is unmasked and instead the GIC is responsible for filtering what interrupts the CPU should receive based on priority. Given the goal of emulating NMIs, pseudo-NMIs can be received by the CPU even in `cpu_switch_to()` and `call_on_irq_stack()`, possibly *very* frequently depending on the system configuration and workload, leading to unpredictable kernel panics. Completely mask DAIF in `cpu_switch_to()` and restore it when returning. Do the same in `call_on_irq_stack()`, but restore and mask around the branch. Mask DAIF even if CONFIG_SHADOW_CALL_STACK is not enabled for consistency of behaviour between all configurations. Introduce and use an assembly macro for saving and masking DAIF, as the existing one saves but only masks IF.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2025-38670 is a Linux kernel arm64 flaw where rare interrupt timing during stack switching can corrupt task or shadow call stack state. The documented outcome is unpredictable kernel panic, especially on systems using CONFIG_ARM64_PSEUDO_NMI. This is mainly an availability and reliability concern, not a documented data theft issue.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted platform reliability risk. It is not currently documented as exploited, but affected arm64 systems can suffer kernel panics. Prioritize patching for production Linux arm64 fleets, appliances, and systems using pseudo-NMI configurations.

Technical view

The issue affects arm64 cpu_switch_to() and call_on_irq_stack(), where SP and Shadow Call Stack changes were interruptible. SErrors, debug exceptions, or pseudo-NMIs could observe mismatched task, IRQ, and SCS state, corrupt saved SCS pointers and trigger panics. The fix masks DAIF around these stack transitions.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux arm64 systems running affected kernels or downstream products built from them. Risk is higher where CONFIG_ARM64_PSEUDO_NMI is enabled. The bundle names Linux kernel versions and commits, but package-level and appliance-level impact must be confirmed with vendor advisories.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show active exploitation, and KEV is false. The described failure can occur on default configurations but is unlikely. With pseudo-NMIs, interrupt frequency can make the condition more likely depending on system configuration and workload.

Researcher notes

Key evidence is the upstream Linux fix description. The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, proof of exploitation, and full downstream version mapping. Avoid assuming remote exploitability. Focus validation on arm64 kernel lineage, SCS settings, pseudo-NMI configuration, and whether the DAIF masking fix is present.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply vendor kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Prioritize arm64 systems using CONFIG_ARM64_PSEUDO_NMI.
  • Check Debian LTS and Siemens advisories for downstream package or product mapping.
  • If no vendor fix is available, request vendor guidance for supported mitigation.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux arm64 hosts and embedded products.
  • Record kernel version, build provenance, and CONFIG_ARM64_PSEUDO_NMI status.
  • Compare installed kernels against vendor advisories and referenced stable commits.
  • Review crash logs for unexplained arm64 kernel panics during context or IRQ stack activity.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
11

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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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
2ADP providers
10Source 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
siemens-SADPADP container
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux3f225f29c69c13ce1cbdb1d607a42efeef080056, 402d2b1d54b7085d0c3bfd01fd50c2701dde64b3, 4403c7b7e5e1ad09a266b6e399fd7bf97931508e, 59b37fe52f49955791a460752c37145f1afdcad1, 59b37fe52f49955791a460752c37145f1afdcad1, 59b37fe52f49955791a460752c37145f1afdcad1, 59b37fe52f49955791a460752c37145f1afdcad1, e47ce4f11e26fa3ea99b09521da8b3ac3a7b578d, 5.10.180, 5.15.111, 6.1.28, 6.2.15unaffected
LinuxLinux6.3, 0, 5.10.210, 5.15.190, 6.1.149, 6.6.101, 6.12.41, 6.15.9, 6.16affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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