CVE-2025-38435 riscv: vector: Fix context save/restore with xtheadvector
A Linux kernel bug in RISC-V vector context handling corrupts registers v8-v31, potentially causing userspace crashes or instability.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-38435?
CVE-2025-38435 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 25 Jul 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
riscv: vector: Fix context save/restore with xtheadvector
Previously only v0-v7 were correctly saved/restored, and the context of v8-v31 are damanged. Correctly save/restore v8-v31 to avoid breaking userspace.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38435?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38435?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2025-38435 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38435 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as BELL-CVE-2025-38435, GHSA-7xh7-w5g7-62qv, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-38435.