CVE-2025-38696

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: MIPS: Don't crash in stack_top() for tasks without ABI or vDSO Not all tasks have an ABI associated or vDSO mapped, for example kthreads never do. If such a task ever ends up calling stack_top(), it will derefence the NULL ABI pointer and crash. This can for example happen when using kunit: mips_stack_top+0x28/0xc0 arch_pick_mmap_layout+0x190/0x220 kunit_vm_mmap_init+0xf8/0x138 __kunit_add_resource+0x40/0xa8 kunit_vm_mmap+0x88/0xd8 usercopy_test_init+0xb8/0x240 kunit_try_run_case+0x5c/0x1a8 kunit_generic_run_threadfn_adapter+0x28/0x50 kthread+0x118/0x240 ret_from_kernel_thread+0x14/0x1c Only dereference the ABI point if it is set. The GIC page is also included as it is specific to the vDSO. Also move the randomization adjustment into the same conditional.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2025-09-04 16:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-19 21:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2025-09-04 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-19 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 4.15
• Linux Kernel < 4.19
• Linux Kernel < 5.4.297
• Linux Kernel < 5.10.241
• Linux Kernel < 5.15.190
• Linux Kernel < 6.1.149
• Linux Kernel < 6.6.103
• Linux Kernel < 6.12.43

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

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2025-38696.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-38696. 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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