CVE-2025-38216: iommu/vt-d: Restore context entry setup order for aliased devices
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iommu/vt-d: Restore context entry setup order for aliased devices
Commit 2031c469f816 ("iommu/vt-d: Add support for static identity domain") changed the context entry setup during domain attachment from a set-and-check policy to a clear-and-reset approach. This inadvertently introduced a regression affecting PCI aliased devices behind PCIe-to-PCI bridges.
Specifically, keyboard and touchpad stopped working on several Apple Macbooks with below messages:
kernel: platform pxa2xx-spi.3: Adding to iommu group 20 kernel: input: Apple SPI Keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1e.3/pxa2xx-spi.3/spimaster/spi2/spi-APP000D:00/input/input0 kernel: DMAR: DRHD: handling fault status reg 3 kernel: DMAR: [DMA Read NOPASID] Request device [00:1e.3] fault addr 0xffffa000 [fault reason 0x06] PTE Read access is not set kernel: DMAR: DRHD: handling fault status reg 3 kernel: DMAR: [DMA Read NOPASID] Request device [00:1e.3] fault addr 0xffffa000 [fault reason 0x06] PTE Read access is not set kernel: applespi spi-APP000D:00: Error writing to device: 01 0e 00 00 kernel: DMAR: DRHD: handling fault status reg 3 kernel: DMAR: [DMA Read NOPASID] Request device [00:1e.3] fault addr 0xffffa000 [fault reason 0x06] PTE Read access is not set kernel: DMAR: DRHD: handling fault status reg 3 kernel: applespi spi-APP000D:00: Error writing to device: 01 0e 00 00
Fix this by restoring the previous context setup order.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-38216?
CVE-2025-38216 has been classified with a critical severity level due to its impact on the Linux kernel's IOMMU functionality.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38216?
To fix CVE-2025-38216, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the security patches addressing this vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2025-38216?
CVE-2025-38216 affects systems running the Linux kernel that utilize IOMMU for device virtualization.
When was CVE-2025-38216 discovered?
CVE-2025-38216 was discovered as part of ongoing security assessments and has been reported recently in the context of kernel updates.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-38216?
CVE-2025-38216 is a configuration and context management vulnerability within the IOMMU functionality of the Linux kernel.