CVE-2025-38214: fbdev: Fix fb_set_var to prevent null-ptr-deref in fb_videomode_to_var

Published Jul 4, 2025
·
Updated

fbdev: Fix fbsetvar to prevent null-ptr-deref in fbvideomodetovar

Affected Software

16 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.92.2-2
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.13<5.4.295
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.239
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.186
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.142
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.95
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.35
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.15.4
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc5
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.113-17.2.12-17.2.13-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.190-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 6.12.113-1Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.13-1
  2. Compensating control

    In fb_set_var(), restore the old fb_info->var value when fb_add_videomode() fails to allocate memory or fails to add the mode to fb_info->modelist, using the same restoration method performed earlier in the function.

Event History

Jul 4, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:37 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:37 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Aug 7, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·07:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-38214?

The severity of CVE-2025-38214 is rated as medium due to the potential for a null pointer dereference in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-38214?

To fix CVE-2025-38214, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the patch addressing this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2025-38214?

CVE-2025-38214 affects the Linux kernel across various distributions that utilize the fbdev subsystem.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2025-38214 on system performance?

The impact of CVE-2025-38214 can lead to system crashes or instability due to a potential null pointer dereference.

5

Is there a known exploit for CVE-2025-38214?

As of now, there are no public exploits known for CVE-2025-38214, but users are advised to apply patches promptly.

Contact

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