CVE-2025-38656 wifi: iwlwifi: Fix error code in iwl_op_mode_dvm_start()
A missing error code in the iwlwifi driver can lead to a use-after-free condition, potentially allowing attackers to execute 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-2025-38656?
CVE-2025-38656 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Linux kernel, 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:
wifi: iwlwifi: Fix error code in iwl_op_mode_dvm_start()
Preserve the error code if iwl_setup_deferred_work() fails. The current code returns ERR_PTR(0) (which is NULL) on this path. I believe the missing error code potentially leads to a use after free involving debugfs.
Weakness: CWE-416
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-38656?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38656?
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-2025-38656 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-38656 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as AZL-71023, AZL-78267, BELL-CVE-2025-38656, GHSA-6g9x-rpr5-4qrw, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-38656.