CVE-2025-40035: Input: uinput - zero-initialize uinput_ff_upload_compat to avoid info leak
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Input: uinput - zero-initialize uinput_ff_upload_compat to avoid info leak
Struct ff_effect_compat is embedded twice inside
uinput_ff_upload_compat, contains internal padding. In particular, there
is a hole after struct ff_replay to satisfy alignment requirements for
the following union member. Without clearing the structure,
copy_to_user() may leak stack data to userspace.
Initialize ff_up_compat to zero before filling valid fields.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue can leak small pieces of kernel stack memory to local userspace through the uinput force-feedback compatibility path. The source describes an information leak caused by uninitialized padding, not code execution. No provided source says it is being exploited in the wild.
Executive priority
Treat this as a scheduled kernel patching item unless uinput is exposed to untrusted local users or containers. Prioritize shared, multi-user, desktop, kiosk, and container-host environments where local userspace boundaries matter.
Technical view
uinput_ff_upload_compat embeds ff_effect_compat twice. ff_effect_compat contains internal padding, including a hole after struct ff_replay. Without zeroing the outer structure, copy_to_user() may expose stack data. The fix initializes ff_up_compat to zero before populating valid fields.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernel builds where userspace can reach the uinput compatibility force-feedback upload path. Systems should verify kernel branch, vendor package status, and access to uinput devices.
Exploitation context
The bundle marks KEV as false and provides no cited evidence of active exploitation. The issue is an information disclosure to userspace, which may be useful for weakening kernel memory protections but is not described as a standalone privilege-escalation bug.
Researcher notes
The available evidence identifies the root cause and fix but does not provide CVSS, CWE, exploitability details, or distribution-specific fixed versions. Avoid assuming remote exposure or privilege escalation without additional vendor analysis.
Mitigation direction
Update affected Linux kernels through vendor-supported packages.
Confirm updates include one of the referenced stable kernel fixes.
Restrict /dev/uinput access to trusted users while patching.
Review containers or services with uinput device passthrough.
Track distribution advisories for fixed package versions.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux hosts and running kernel versions.
Check whether vendor kernels include the referenced stable commits.
Review permissions and group access for uinput devices.
Identify containers or workloads granted uinput device access.
Confirm patched systems rebooted into the updated kernel.
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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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source 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.
Oct 28, 2025, 11:48 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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