CVE-2025-68797: char: applicom: fix NULL pointer dereference in ac_ioctl
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
char: applicom: fix NULL pointer dereference in ac_ioctl
Discovered by Atuin - Automated Vulnerability Discovery Engine.
In ac_ioctl, the validation of IndexCard and the check for a valid
RamIO pointer are skipped when cmd is 6. However, the function
unconditionally executes readb(apbs[IndexCard].RamIO + VERS) at the
end.
If cmd is 6, IndexCard may reference a board that does not exist
(where RamIO is NULL), leading to a NULL pointer dereference.
Fix this by skipping the readb access when cmd is 6, as this
command is a global information query and does not target a specific
board context.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-68797 is a Linux kernel bug in the applicom character driver. A specific ioctl path can trigger a NULL pointer dereference, which typically means a kernel crash or denial of service. The public record does not provide CVSS scoring, confirmed exploitation, or evidence of remote attackability.
Executive priority
Treat as a routine but real availability risk for Linux assets using the applicom driver. Prioritize patch validation on industrial, legacy, or specialized systems where applicom hardware support may exist. There is no public evidence of broad active exploitation in the provided sources.
Technical view
In ac_ioctl, command 6 bypasses IndexCard validation and the RamIO pointer check, but the function later unconditionally reads from apbs[IndexCard].RamIO + VERS. If the referenced board does not exist, RamIO can be NULL. The kernel fix skips that read for command 6 because it is a global information query.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems where the applicom character driver is present, enabled, and reachable through its ioctl interface. Systems without this driver or without accessible device nodes are less likely to be exposed. The source does not identify affected distributions or default configurations.
Exploitation context
No KEV listing or cited source indicates active exploitation. The described path is an ioctl handler, so practical exploitation appears dependent on local access to the relevant driver interface. The public sources do not claim remote exploitation, privilege escalation, or data disclosure.
Researcher notes
The record lacks CVSS, CWE, and distribution-specific impact. Version metadata is limited, so use the kernel stable commits and downstream vendor advisories to map exposure. The fix is narrowly scoped to avoiding a NULL read path for command 6.
Mitigation direction
Apply Linux kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
Check your distribution kernel advisory for the backported fix status.
If applicom is unnecessary, review vendor-supported options to disable or remove it.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and downstream package advisories.
Determine whether the applicom driver is built, loaded, or available.
Confirm the relevant stable commit or backport is present.
Review device exposure and access policy for applicom interfaces.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CVE-2025-68797 mapping review
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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
0ADP providers
8Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Jan 13, 2026, 15:29 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.