CVE-2020-25639: Null Pointer Dereference

Published Sep 8, 2020
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel where an unprivileged console user can crash kernel via a nouveau ioctl.

Reference: https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/nouveau/2020-August/036682.html

Other sources

A NULL pointer dereference flaw was found in the Linux kernel's GPU Nouveau driver functionality in versions prior to 5.12-rc1 in the way the user calls ioctl DRMIOCTLNOUVEAUCHANNELALLOC. This flaw allows a local user to crash the system.

Launchpad

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/Linux kernel<5.12
5.12
Linux Linux kernel<=5.11.2
Fedoraproject Fedora=32
Fedoraproject Fedora=33
redhat OpenShift Container Platform=4.4
redhat OpenShift Container Platform=4.5
redhat OpenShift Container Platform=4.6
redhat Enterprise Linux=5.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=6.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=7.0
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
redhat Messaging Realtime Grid=2.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-1

Event History

Mar 4, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:56 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:56 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:46 PM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:09 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2020-25639?

CVE-2020-25639 has a medium severity rating due to the potential for an unprivileged console user to crash the kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2020-25639?

To resolve CVE-2020-25639, you should upgrade your Linux kernel to version 5.12 or apply the relevant patches provided by your distribution.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2020-25639?

CVE-2020-25639 affects multiple Linux distributions, including specific versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora.

4

What causes the CVE-2020-25639 vulnerability?

CVE-2020-25639 is caused by a flaw in the Linux kernel's handling of a nouveau ioctl, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.

5

Is CVE-2020-25639 exploitability limited to specific users?

Yes, CVE-2020-25639 can be exploited by unprivileged console users on affected systems.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203