CVE-2025-38522

5.5 MEDIUM 0.1% exploit odds Fix listed Memory safety OS & kernel

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sched/ext: Prevent update_locked_rq() calls with NULL rq Avoid invoking update_locked_rq() when the runqueue (rq) pointer is NULL in the SCX_CALL_OP and SCX_CALL_OP_RET macros. Previously, calling update_locked_rq(NULL) with preemption enabled could trigger the following warning: BUG: using __this_cpu_write() in preemptible [00000000] This happens because __this_cpu_write() is unsafe to use in preemptible context. rq is NULL when an ops invoked from an unlocked context. In such cases, we don't need to store any rq, since the value should already be NULL (unlocked). Ensure that update_locked_rq() is only called when rq is non-NULL, preventing calling __this_cpu_write() on preemptible context.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2025-08-16 12:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 09:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2025-08-16 12:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 09:17 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference
Record status: Analyzed

Affected

Linux Kernel < 6.15.8
Linux Kernel 6.15
Linux Kernel 6.16

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: None
Availability: High

Raw vector

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

Is it in your code?

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Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2025-38522.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-38522. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record