VDB

DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38553

DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38553 PUBLISHED CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net/sched: Restrict conditions for adding duplicating netems to qdisc tree netem_enqueue's duplication prevention logic breaks when a netem resides in a qdisc tree with other netems - this can lead to a soft lockup and OOM loop in netem_dequeue, as seen in [1]. Ensure that a duplicating netem cannot exist in a tree with other netems. Previous approaches suggested in discussions in chronological order: 1) Track duplication status or ttl in the sk_buff struct. Considered too specific a use case to extend such a struct, though this would be a resilient fix and address other previous and potential future DOS bugs like the one described in loopy fun [2]. 2) Restrict netem_enqueue recursion depth like in act_mirred with a per cpu variable. However, netem_dequeue can call enqueue on its child, and the depth restriction could be bypassed if the child is a netem. 3) Use the same approach as in 2, but add metadata in netem_skb_cb to handle the netem_dequeue case and track a packet's involvement in duplication. This is an overly complex approach, and Jamal notes that the skb cb can be overwritten to circumvent this safeguard. 4) Prevent the addition of a netem to a qdisc tree if its ancestral path contains a netem. However, filters and actions can cause a packet to change paths when re-enqueued to the root from netem duplication, leading us to the current solution: prevent a duplicating netem from inhabiting the same tree as other netems. [1] https://lore.kernel.org/netdev/8DuRWwfqjoRDLDmBMlIfbrsZg9Gx50DHJc1ilxsEBNe2D6NMoigR_eIRIG0LOjMc3r10nUUZtArXx4oZBIdUfZQrwjcQhdinnMis_0G7VEk=@willsroot.io/ [2] https://lwn.net/Articles/719297/

Risk Scores

CVSS 3.1
5.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Affected Products

VendorProductVersions
Debian:13linux0, 6.12.43-1, 6.12.41-1
Debian:14linux6.12.69-1~bpo12+1, 6.12.73-1, 6.12.73-1~bpo12+1
Debian:11linux0, 0, 5.10.103-1
Debian:12linux6.1.82-1, 6.1.66-1, 6.1.67-1
Debian:11linux-6.16.1.106-3, 6.1.106-3, 6.1.112-1

Exploit Intelligence

Timeline

  • Aug 19, 2025 CVE Published
  • Apr 28, 2026 CVE Updated
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