CVE-2025-21954: netmem: prevent TX of unreadable skbs

Published Apr 1, 2025
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

netmem: prevent TX of unreadable skbs

Currently on stable trees we have support for netmem/devmem RX but not TX. It is not safe to forward/redirect an RX unreadable netmem packet into the device's TX path, as the device may call dma-mapping APIs on dma addrs that should not be passed to it.

Fix this by preventing the xmit of unreadable skbs.

Tested by configuring tc redirect:

sudo tc qdisc add dev eth1 ingress sudo tc filter add dev eth1 ingress protocol ip prio 1 flower ipproto \ tcp srcip 192.168.1.12 action mirred egress redirect dev eth1

Before, I see unreadable skbs in the driver's TX path passed to dma mapping APIs.

After, I don't see unreadable skbs in the driver's TX path passed to dma mapping APIs.

Affected Software

9 affected components
Linux Kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.12<6.12.20
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.13.8
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.14-rc6

Event History

Apr 1, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:46 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:46 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-21954?

CVE-2025-21954 is considered a security vulnerability in the Linux kernel that affects the forwarding of unreadable packets.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-21954?

To fix CVE-2025-21954, ensure you update your Linux kernel to the latest stable version where the vulnerability has been resolved.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2025-21954?

CVE-2025-21954 affects the Linux Kernel, particularly in its handling of netmem and devmem.

4

What does CVE-2025-21954 impact?

CVE-2025-21954 impacts the TX path of unreadable netmem packets, potentially leading to security risks.

5

Is CVE-2025-21954 patched in stable releases?

Yes, CVE-2025-21954 has been resolved in stable tree releases of the Linux kernel.

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