CVE-2025-39835

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfs: do not propagate ENODATA disk errors into xattr code ENODATA (aka ENOATTR) has a very specific meaning in the xfs xattr code; namely, that the requested attribute name could not be found. However, a medium error from disk may also return ENODATA. At best, this medium error may escape to userspace as "attribute not found" when in fact it's an IO (disk) error. At worst, we may oops in xfs_attr_leaf_get() when we do: error = xfs_attr_leaf_hasname(args, &bp); if (error == -ENOATTR) { xfs_trans_brelse(args->trans, bp); return error; } because an ENODATA/ENOATTR error from disk leaves us with a null bp, and the xfs_trans_brelse will then null-deref it. As discussed on the list, we really need to modify the lower level IO functions to trap all disk errors and ensure that we don't let unique errors like this leak up into higher xfs functions - many like this should be remapped to EIO. However, this patch directly addresses a reported bug in the xattr code, and should be safe to backport to stable kernels. A larger-scope patch to handle more unique errors at lower levels can follow later. (Note, prior to 07120f1abdff we did not oops, but we did return the wrong error code to userspace.)

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, 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. 2025-09-16 14:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-11-05 22:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2025-09-16 14:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-11-05 22:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 5.10.242
• Linux Kernel < 5.15.191
• Linux Kernel < 6.1.150
• Linux Kernel < 6.6.104
• Linux Kernel < 6.12.45
• Linux Kernel < 6.16.5
• Linux Kernel 6.17
• Debian Linux 11.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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-2025-39835.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-39835. 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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