CVE-2025-39985: can: mcba_usb: populate ndo_change_mtu() to prevent buffer overflow
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
can: mcba_usb: populate ndo_change_mtu() to prevent buffer overflow
Sending an PF_PACKET allows to bypass the CAN framework logic and to
directly reach the xmit() function of a CAN driver. The only check
which is performed by the PF_PACKET framework is to make sure that
skb->len fits the interface's MTU.
Unfortunately, because the mcba_usb driver does not populate its
net_device_ops->ndo_change_mtu(), it is possible for an attacker to
configure an invalid MTU by doing, for example:
$ ip link set can0 mtu 9999
After doing so, the attacker could open a PF_PACKET socket using the
ETH_P_CANXL protocol:
socket(PF_PACKET, SOCK_RAW, htons(ETH_P_CANXL))
to inject a malicious CAN XL frames. For example:
struct canxl_frame frame = {
.flags = 0xff,
.len = 2048,
};
The CAN drivers' xmit() function are calling can_dev_dropped_skb() to
check that the skb is valid, unfortunately under above conditions, the
malicious packet is able to go through can_dev_dropped_skb() checks:
1. the skb->protocol is set to ETH_P_CANXL which is valid (the
function does not check the actual device capabilities).
2. the length is a valid CAN XL length.
And so, mcba_usb_start_xmit() receives a CAN XL frame which it is not
able to correctly handle and will thus misinterpret it as a CAN frame.
This can result in a buffer overflow. The driver will consume cf->len
as-is with no further checks on these lines:
usb_msg.dlc = cf->len;
memcpy(usb_msg.data, cf->data, usb_msg.dlc);
Here, cf->len corresponds to the flags field of the CAN XL frame. In
our previous example, we set canxl_frame->flags to 0xff. Because the
maximum expected length is 8, a buffer overflow of 247 bytes occurs!
Populate net_device_ops->ndo_change_mtu() to ensure that the
interface's MTU can not be set to anything bigger than CAN_MTU. By
fixing the root cause, this prevents the buffer overflow.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A local user may trigger a memory-corrupting buffer overflow in Linux systems using the mcba_usb CAN driver. Successful exploitation could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exposure is limited to systems where this driver and relevant CAN interface are present and the attacker can reconfigure the interface and send raw packets.
Executive priority
Prioritize affected CAN-connected systems because kernel memory corruption may enable full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Treat internet-facing status as secondary: this is a local attack requiring specific driver exposure. Patch promptly where mcba_usb is used; routine verification is sufficient elsewhere.
Technical view
The mcba_usb driver lacked an MTU-change handler, allowing an invalid interface MTU. A crafted CAN XL packet sent through PF_PACKET could then bypass CAN validation, be misinterpreted as a classic CAN frame, and cause an oversized memcpy in mcba_usb_start_xmit(). The kernel fix restricts the interface MTU to CAN_MTU.
Likely exposure
Most relevant to Linux hosts using the mcba_usb CAN driver, particularly automotive, industrial, laboratory, or embedded environments. The supplied data marks Linux 4.12 and listed stable releases through 6.17 as affected, but does not provide definitive distribution-package mappings. Systems without this driver or interface are unlikely to be exposed.
Exploitation context
The CVSS score is 7.8 with local access, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. Exploitation also depends on reconfiguring the CAN interface and using a raw PF_PACKET socket. The bundle reports KEV as false and provides no evidence of active exploitation or public weaponization.
Researcher notes
The root cause is missing ndo_change_mtu enforcement, not general CAN XL support. PF_PACKET validates packet length against the attacker-influenced MTU, while later CAN checks accept the declared protocol and CAN XL length. mcba_usb subsequently interprets the frame using the classic CAN layout and copies an attacker-controlled length into a smaller buffer. Exact exploitability by distribution requires separate package and configuration validation.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor kernel update containing the applicable stable-branch fix.
Check distribution advisories to map the fix to packaged kernel versions.
Restrict local access and unnecessary raw-packet or interface-configuration capabilities pending patching.
Disable or unload mcba_usb where operationally safe and not required.
Validation and detection
Inventory hosts for affected kernel builds and active mcba_usb usage.
Confirm whether an mcba_usb-backed CAN interface exists on each host.
Verify the installed vendor kernel contains the relevant stable fix.
After updating, confirm invalid MTU values are rejected for the interface.
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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CVSS vector scores
1 official score
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