CVE-2025-39967: fbcon: fix integer overflow in fbcon_do_set_font
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fbcon: fix integer overflow in fbcon_do_set_font
Fix integer overflow vulnerabilities in fbcon_do_set_font() where font
size calculations could overflow when handling user-controlled font
parameters.
The vulnerabilities occur when:
1. CALC_FONTSZ(h, pitch, charcount) performs h * pith * charcount
multiplication with user-controlled values that can overflow.
2. FONT_EXTRA_WORDS * sizeof(int) + size addition can also overflow
3. This results in smaller allocations than expected, leading to buffer
overflows during font data copying.
Add explicit overflow checking using check_mul_overflow() and
check_add_overflow() kernel helpers to safety validate all size
calculations before allocation.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A flaw in the Linux framebuffer console can miscalculate memory needed for user-controlled font data. The resulting undersized allocation may permit a local, low-privileged user to corrupt kernel memory, potentially affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It is not described as remotely exploitable.
Executive priority
Prioritize remediation on multi-user systems, administrative workstations, and other hosts granting local accounts. Treat it as a prompt kernel-maintenance item rather than an internet-facing emergency because exploitation requires local access and active exploitation is not established.
Technical view
Integer overflows in fbcon_do_set_font() can occur during font-size multiplication and metadata-size addition. Wrapped calculations may produce undersized allocations followed by buffer overflows during font copying. The published fix uses check_mul_overflow() and check_add_overflow() before allocation.
Likely exposure
Exposure requires a Linux kernel containing the vulnerable fbcon code and a local user able to reach font-setting functionality. The supplied version data is ambiguous and includes commit identifiers alongside releases, so confirm exposure through distribution advisories and fix-commit presence rather than version strings alone.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector indicates local access, low privileges, low complexity, and no user interaction, with potentially high impact. The supplied bundle marks KEV false and provides no evidence of active exploitation. Absence from KEV does not prove exploitation is impossible or absent.
Researcher notes
Review fbcon_do_set_font() size calculations and confirm both multiplication and addition overflow checks are present before allocation. Distribution kernels may backport fixes without matching upstream release numbers. The bundle does not establish exploitability on every listed build or identify a public proof of concept.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable stable fbcon fix.
Consult the Linux distribution advisory for exact package and backport status.
Restrict unnecessary local access while affected systems await remediation.
Evaluate disabling unused framebuffer-console functionality under vendor guidance.
Validation and detection
Inventory deployed kernel package versions and distribution release details.
Check package changelogs for CVE-2025-39967 or the applicable stable fix.
Determine whether framebuffer console and font-loading functionality are enabled and reachable.
After updating, verify the running kernel matches the remediated package.
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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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
9Source links
SSVC decision data
CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.