CVE-2025-21695: platform/x86: dell-uart-backlight: fix serdev race
First published: Wed Feb 12 2025(Updated: )
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: platform/x86: dell-uart-backlight: fix serdev race The dell_uart_bl_serdev_probe() function calls devm_serdev_device_open() before setting the client ops via serdev_device_set_client_ops(). This ordering can trigger a NULL pointer dereference in the serdev controller's receive_buf handler, as it assumes serdev->ops is valid when SERPORT_ACTIVE is set. This is similar to the issue fixed in commit 5e700b384ec1 ("platform/chrome: cros_ec_uart: properly fix race condition") where devm_serdev_device_open() was called before fully initializing the device. Fix the race by ensuring client ops are set before enabling the port via devm_serdev_device_open(). Note, serdev_device_set_baudrate() and serdev_device_set_flow_control() calls should be after the devm_serdev_device_open() call.
Credit: 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Linux Kernel | ||
| Linux Kernel | >=6.10<6.12.11 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc1 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc2 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc3 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc4 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc5 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc6 | |
| Linux Kernel | =6.13-rc7 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-21695?
The severity of CVE-2025-21695 has not been explicitly classified but pertains to a race condition in the Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-21695?
To fix CVE-2025-21695, apply the latest patches from the Linux kernel that address this specific vulnerability.
What are the affected systems for CVE-2025-21695?
CVE-2025-21695 affects systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel related to the dell_uart_bl_serdev_probe() function.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-21695?
CVE-2025-21695 is a race condition vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's handling of device operations.
Is CVE-2025-21695 being actively exploited?
As of now, there is no public indication that CVE-2025-21695 is being actively exploited in the wild.
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