CVE-2025-38533 net: libwx: fix the using of Rx buffer DMA
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel libwx driver could allow attackers to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code via DMA errors.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-38533?
CVE-2025-38533 is a critical use after free vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 16 Aug 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: libwx: fix the using of Rx buffer DMA
The wx_rx_buffer structure contained two DMA address fields: 'dma' and 'page_dma'. However, only 'page_dma' was actually initialized and used to program the Rx descriptor. But 'dma' was uninitialized and used in some paths.
This could lead to undefined behavior, including DMA errors or use-after-free, if the uninitialized 'dma' was used. Althrough such error has not yet occurred, it is worth fixing in the code.
Weakness: CWE-787
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38533?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38533?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.
Is CVE-2025-38533 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38533 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as BELL-CVE-2025-38533, DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38533, GHSA-qmw3-6h2f-2gvh, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-13-CVE-2025-38533, ROOT-OS-UBUNTU-2404-CVE-2025-38533, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-38533.