CVE-2025-38618 vsock: Do not allow binding to VMADDR_PORT_ANY
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel vsock subsystem allows local attackers to potentially execute code or escalate privileges via socket binding.
- 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-2025-38618?
CVE-2025-38618 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux, published on 22 Aug 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:
vsock: Do not allow binding to VMADDR_PORT_ANY
It is possible for a vsock to autobind to VMADDR_PORT_ANY. This can cause a use-after-free when a connection is made to the bound socket. The socket returned by accept() also has port VMADDR_PORT_ANY but is not on the list of unbound sockets. Binding it will result in an extra refcount decrement similar to the one fixed in fcdd2242c023 (vsock: Keep the binding until socket destruction).
Modify the check in __vsock_bind_connectible() to also prevent binding to VMADDR_PORT_ANY.
Weakness: CWE-416
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38618?
It affects 2 products.
Products include Debian Debian Linux, Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38618?
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-2025-38618 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38618 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Debian Debian Linux
Sources
Also known as A-439253642, ASB-A-439253642, AZL-66593, AZL-73614, BELL-CVE-2025-38618, DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38618 and 7 more.