CVE-2025-38261: riscv: save the SR_SUM status over switches

Published Jul 9, 2025
·
Updated

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

riscv: save the SRSUM status over switches

When threads/tasks are switched we need to ensure the old execution's SRSUM state is saved and the new thread has the old SRSUM state restored.

The issue was seen under heavy load especially with the syz-stress tool running, with crashes as follows in scheduletail:

Unable to handle kernel access to user memory without uaccess routines at virtual address 000000002749f0d0 Oops [#1] Modules linked in: CPU: 1 PID: 4875 Comm: syz-executor.0 Not tainted 5.12.0-rc2-syzkaller-00467-g0d7588ab9ef9 #0 Hardware name: riscv-virtio,qemu (DT) epc : scheduletail+0x72/0xb2 kernel/sched/core.c:4264 ra : taskpidvnr include/linux/sched.h:1421 [inline] ra : scheduletail+0x70/0xb2 kernel/sched/core.c:4264 epc : ffffffe00008c8b0 ra : ffffffe00008c8ae sp : ffffffe025d17ec0 gp : ffffffe005d25378 tp : ffffffe00f0d0000 t0 : 0000000000000000 t1 : 0000000000000001 t2 : 00000000000f4240 s0 : ffffffe025d17ee0 s1 : 000000002749f0d0 a0 : 000000000000002a a1 : 0000000000000003 a2 : 1ffffffc0cfac500 a3 : ffffffe0000c80cc a4 : 5ae9db91c19bbe00 a5 : 0000000000000000 a6 : 0000000000f00000 a7 : ffffffe000082eba s2 : 0000000000040000 s3 : ffffffe00eef96c0 s4 : ffffffe022c77fe0 s5 : 0000000000004000 s6 : ffffffe067d74e00 s7 : ffffffe067d74850 s8 : ffffffe067d73e18 s9 : ffffffe067d74e00 s10: ffffffe00eef96e8 s11: 000000ae6cdf8368 t3 : 5ae9db91c19bbe00 t4 : ffffffc4043cafb2 t5 : ffffffc4043cafba t6 : 0000000000040000 status: 0000000000000120 badaddr: 000000002749f0d0 cause: 000000000000000f Call Trace: [<ffffffe00008c8b0>] scheduletail+0x72/0xb2 kernel/sched/core.c:4264 [<ffffffe000005570>] retfromexception+0x0/0x14 Dumping ftrace buffer: (ftrace buffer empty) ---[ end trace b5f8f9231dc87dda ]---

The issue comes from the putuser() in scheduletail (kernel/sched/core.c) doing the following:

asmlinkage visible void scheduletail(struct taskstruct prev) { ... if (current->setchildtid) putuser(taskpidvnr(current), current->setchildtid); ... }

the putuser() macro causes the code sequence to come out as follows:

1: enableuseraccess() 2: reg = taskpidvnr(current); 3: current->setchildtid = reg; 4: disableuseraccess()

The problem is that we may have a sleeping function as argument which could clear SRSUM causing the panic above. This was fixed by evaluating the argument of the putuser() macro outside the user-enabled section in commit 285a76bb2cf5 ("riscv: evaluate putuser() arg before enabling user access")"

In order for riscv to take advantage of unsafeget/putXXX() macros and to avoid the same issue we had with putuser() and sleeping functions we must ensure code flow can go through switchto() from within a region of code with SRSUM enabled and come back with SRSUM still enabled. This patch addresses the problem allowing future work to enable full use of unsafeget/putXXX() macros without needing to take a CSR bit flip cost on every access. Make switchto() save and restore SRSUM.

Affected Software

227 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<6.15.5
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-aws-hwe*
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-hwe*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*
ubuntu/linux-oracle*
ubuntu/linux*
ubuntu/linux-aws*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.0*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-azure-4.15*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-azure-edge*
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-4.15*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-gke-4.15*
ubuntu/linux-gke-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-hwe*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*
ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-kvm*
ubuntu/linux-oem*
ubuntu/linux-oracle*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.0*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.3*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-raspi-5.4*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux*
ubuntu/linux-aws*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-bluefield*
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-gke*
ubuntu/linux-gke-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-ibm*
ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-intel-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-iot*
ubuntu/linux-kvm*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.10*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.6*
ubuntu/linux-oracle*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.13*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-raspi*
ubuntu/linux-raspi2*
ubuntu/linux-riscv*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.11*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.15*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.8*
ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux*
ubuntu/linux-allwinner-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-aws*
ubuntu/linux-aws-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-aws-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-aws-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-aws-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-azure-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-azure-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-azure-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-azure-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-gke*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-ibm*
ubuntu/linux-ibm-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg*
ubuntu/linux-kvm*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-igx*
ubuntu/linux-oem-5.17*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.0*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.1*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-oracle*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-raspi*
ubuntu/linux-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-riscv*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-starfive-5.19*
ubuntu/linux-starfive-6.2*
ubuntu/linux-starfive-6.5*
ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp*
ubuntu/linux-bluefield*
ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux*
ubuntu/linux-aws*
ubuntu/linux-aws-6.14<6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure*
ubuntu/linux-azure-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-azure-6.14<6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.17*
ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia*
ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia-6.14<6.14.0-1007.7
6.14.0-1007.7
ubuntu/linux-gcp*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.14<6.14.0-1018.19~24.04.1
6.14.0-1018.19~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-gke*
ubuntu/linux-gkeop*
ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-ibm*
ubuntu/linux-intel*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency*
ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-lowlatency*
ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.11*
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.14<6.14.0-1014.14
6.14.0-1014.14
ubuntu/linux-oem-6.8*
ubuntu/linux-oracle*
ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.14<6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-raspi*
ubuntu/linux-raspi-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-riscv*
ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.14<6.14.0-34.34.1~24.04.1
6.14.0-34.34.1~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-vmware*
ubuntu/linux-xilinx*
ubuntu/linux-bluefield*
ubuntu/linux-raspi-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-realtime*
ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.14<6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*
ubuntu/linux-fips*
ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*
ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*
linux/kernel>=4.15.0<6.1.191
6.1.191
linux/kernel>=6.2.0<6.6.160
6.6.160
linux/kernel>=6.7.0<6.12.114
6.12.114
linux/kernel>=6.13.0<6.15.5
6.15.5
debian/linux*
debian/linux<6.12.115-2
6.12.115-2
debian/linux<6.16.3-1
6.16.3-1
debian/linux<=6.1.176-1, <=6.1.190-1, <=6.12.107-1
6.12.115-27.2.12-17.2.15-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.1.191
  2. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.6.160
  3. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.12.114
  4. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.15.5
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1007.7
  8. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1018.19~24.04.1
  9. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oem-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1014.14
  10. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1015.15~24.04.1
  11. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-34.34.1~24.04.1
  12. Upgrade

    Upgrade ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.14 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.14.0-1014.14~24.04.1
  13. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.16.3-1
  14. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.14-1
  15. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch 285a76bb2cf5

Event History

Jul 9, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:42 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:42 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via OSV·10:42 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 4, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·12:02 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-38261?

CVE-2025-38261 has been assessed as a moderate severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-38261?

To address CVE-2025-38261, you should update to the latest version of the Linux kernel where the vulnerability has been patched.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2025-38261?

CVE-2025-38261 affects devices running the Linux kernel that use RISC-V architecture.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2025-38261?

The impact of CVE-2025-38261 is related to improper state management during thread switches, potentially leading to unstable system behavior.

5

When was CVE-2025-38261 first discovered?

CVE-2025-38261 was identified and reported in the Linux kernel development community prior to its official acknowledgement.

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