DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38553
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
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Debian:13 | linux | 0, 6.12.43-1, 6.12.41-1 |
| Debian:14 | linux | 6.12.69-1~bpo12+1, 6.12.73-1, 6.12.73-1~bpo12+1 |
| Debian:11 | linux | 0, 0, 5.10.103-1 |
| Debian:12 | linux | 6.1.82-1, 6.1.66-1, 6.1.67-1 |
| Debian:11 | linux-6.1 | 6.1.106-3, 6.1.106-3, 6.1.112-1 |
Exploit Intelligence
- 4081.3.6.yml (github-poc)
Timeline
- Aug 19, 2025 CVE Published
- Apr 28, 2026 CVE Updated