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CVE Record

CVE-2025-40159: xsk: Harden userspace-supplied xdp_desc validation

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xsk: Harden userspace-supplied xdp_desc validation Turned out certain clearly invalid values passed in xdp_desc from userspace can pass xp_{,un}aligned_validate_desc() and then lead to UBs or just invalid frames to be queued for xmit. desc->len close to ``U32_MAX`` with a non-zero pool->tx_metadata_len can cause positive integer overflow and wraparound, the same way low enough desc->addr with a non-zero pool->tx_metadata_len can cause negative integer overflow. Both scenarios can then pass the validation successfully. This doesn't happen with valid XSk applications, but can be used to perform attacks. Always promote desc->len to ``u64`` first to exclude positive overflows of it. Use explicit check_{add,sub}_overflow() when validating desc->addr (which is ``u64`` already). bloat-o-meter reports a little growth of the code size: add/remove: 0/0 grow/shrink: 2/1 up/down: 60/-16 (44) Function old new delta xskq_cons_peek_desc 299 330 +31 xsk_tx_peek_release_desc_batch 973 1002 +29 xsk_generic_xmit 3148 3132 -16 but hopefully this doesn't hurt the performance much.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A locally accessible Linux kernel flaw lets a low-privileged process supply malformed AF_XDP transmit descriptors that bypass validation. Integer wraparound may trigger undefined kernel behavior or queue invalid network frames, creating potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Ordinary valid AF_XDP applications do not trigger the issue.

Executive priority

Treat this as a high-priority kernel update for multi-user hosts, shared compute, and systems running less-trusted local workloads. It is not described as remotely exploitable, and active exploitation is unconfirmed, so prioritize according to local-access exposure rather than initiating an emergency internet-wide response.

Technical view

AF_XDP descriptor validation mishandles extreme xdp_desc length or address values when TX metadata is enabled. Addition or subtraction can overflow, allowing invalid descriptors through validation. The kernel fix promotes length calculations to 64 bits and adds explicit overflow checks for address arithmetic.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on affected Linux kernels where local users or workloads can submit AF_XDP transmit descriptors. The supplied version data identifies 6.8, 6.12.54, 6.17.4, and 6.18, but its precise range semantics are unclear; confirm status with the kernel or distribution vendor.

Exploitation context

The CVSS assessment is 7.8 and describes local, low-complexity exploitation requiring low privileges and no user interaction. The source says malformed descriptors can be used for attacks, but provides no evidence of exploitation in the wild. This CVE is not listed as KEV in the supplied bundle.

Researcher notes

The flaw concerns arithmetic overflow in xp aligned and unaligned descriptor validation. Extreme length values can wrap during metadata addition; low addresses can underflow during metadata subtraction. Resulting descriptors may cause undefined behavior or invalid transmission. The sources provide no CWE, proof of exploitation, or detailed impact demonstration.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply a vendor-supported kernel update containing the relevant stable fix.
  • Check distribution advisories for affected and fixed package versions.
  • Prioritize systems permitting untrusted local workloads or AF_XDP access.
  • Restrict unnecessary local access and AF_XDP-capable workloads until patched.

Validation and detection

  • Record running kernel and distribution package versions.
  • Compare installed packages with the distribution vendor's CVE guidance.
  • Identify workloads using AF_XDP, especially transmit metadata features.
  • Confirm the installed kernel contains the applicable linked stable fix.
  • Retest affected networking workloads after updating and rebooting.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

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

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CVE-2025-40159 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

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.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2025-40159Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux341ac980eab90ac1f6c22ee9f9da83ed9604d899, 341ac980eab90ac1f6c22ee9f9da83ed9604d899, 341ac980eab90ac1f6c22ee9f9da83ed9604d899unaffected
LinuxLinux6.8, 0, 6.12.54, 6.17.4, 6.18affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.