CVE-2025-39871

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: dmaengine: idxd: Remove improper idxd_free The call to idxd_free() introduces a duplicate put_device() leading to a reference count underflow: refcount_t: underflow; use-after-free. WARNING: CPU: 15 PID: 4428 at lib/refcount.c:28 refcount_warn_saturate+0xbe/0x110 ... Call Trace: <TASK> idxd_remove+0xe4/0x120 [idxd] pci_device_remove+0x3f/0xb0 device_release_driver_internal+0x197/0x200 driver_detach+0x48/0x90 bus_remove_driver+0x74/0xf0 pci_unregister_driver+0x2e/0xb0 idxd_exit_module+0x34/0x7a0 [idxd] __do_sys_delete_module.constprop.0+0x183/0x280 do_syscall_64+0x54/0xd70 entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x76/0x7e The idxd_unregister_devices() which is invoked at the very beginning of idxd_remove(), already takes care of the necessary put_device() through the following call path: idxd_unregister_devices() -> device_unregister() -> put_device() In addition, when CONFIG_DEBUG_KOBJECT_RELEASE is enabled, put_device() may trigger asynchronous cleanup via schedule_delayed_work(). If idxd_free() is called immediately after, it can result in a use-after-free. Remove the improper idxd_free() to avoid both the refcount underflow and potential memory corruption during module unload.

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. 2025-09-23 06:15 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: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2025-09-23 06:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-19 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-416 · Use after free

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 6.2
• Linux Kernel < 6.6.107
• Linux Kernel < 6.12.48
• Linux Kernel < 6.15
• Linux Kernel < 6.16.8
• Linux Kernel 6.15
• Linux Kernel 6.17

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-2025-39871.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-39871. 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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