CVE-2025-38653 proc: use the same treatment to check proc_lseek as ones for proc_read_iter et.al
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's proc filesystem allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges.
- 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-2025-38653?
CVE-2025-38653 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:
proc: use the same treatment to check proc_lseek as ones for proc_read_iter et.al
Check pde->proc_ops->proc_lseek directly may cause UAF in rmmod scenario. It's a gap in proc_reg_open() after commit 654b33ada4ab("proc: fix UAF in proc_get_inode()"). Followed by AI Viro's suggestion, fix it in same manner.
Weakness: CWE-416
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38653?
It affects 2 products.
Products include Debian Debian Linux, Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38653?
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-2025-38653 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38653 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Debian Debian Linux
Sources
Also known as AZL-66575, BELL-CVE-2025-38653, DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38653, GHSA-w76p-w3h3-c35v, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-12-CVE-2025-38653, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-13-CVE-2025-38653 and 2 more.