CVE-2025-38488: smb: client: fix use-after-free in crypt_message when using async crypto
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
smb: client: fix use-after-free in cryptmessage when using async crypto
The CVE-2024-50047 fix removed asynchronous crypto handling from cryptmessage(), assuming all crypto operations are synchronous. However, when hardware crypto accelerators are used, this can cause use-after-free crashes:
cryptmessage() // Allocate the creq buffer containing the req creq = smb2getaeadreq(..., &req);
// Async encryption returns -EINPROGRESS immediately rc = enc ? cryptoaeadencrypt(req) : cryptoaeaddecrypt(req);
// Free creq while async operation is still in progress kvfreesensitive(creq, ...);
Hardware crypto modules often implement async AEAD operations for performance. When cryptoaeadencrypt/decrypt() returns -EINPROGRESS, the operation completes asynchronously. Without cryptowaitreq(), the function immediately frees the request buffer, leading to crashes when the driver later accesses the freed memory.
This results in a use-after-free condition when the hardware crypto driver later accesses the freed request structure, leading to kernel crashes with NULL pointer dereferences.
The issue occurs because cryptoallocaead() with mask=0 doesn't guarantee synchronous operation. Even without CRYPTOALGASYNC in the mask, async implementations can be selected.
Fix by restoring the async crypto handling: - DECLARECRYPTOWAIT(wait) for completion tracking - aeadrequestsetcallback() for async completion notification - cryptowaitreq() to wait for operation completion
This ensures the request buffer isn't freed until the crypto operation completes, whether synchronous or asynchronous, while preserving the CVE-2024-50047 fix.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-38488?
CVE-2025-38488 has a medium severity rating due to its potential for a use-after-free vulnerability.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38488?
To fix CVE-2025-38488, update your Linux kernel to the latest stable version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.
Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2025-38488?
CVE-2025-38488 affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel, particularly those prior to the patch addressing the issue.
What is the impact of CVE-2025-38488 on system security?
CVE-2025-38488 can potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or causes a denial of service due to the use-after-free error.
Is CVE-2025-38488 related to asynchronous crypto operations?
Yes, CVE-2025-38488 is specifically related to improper handling of async crypto operations in the smb client.