CVE-2025-38527: smb: client: fix use-after-free in cifs_oplock_break

Published Aug 16, 2025
·
Updated

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

smb: client: fix use-after-free in cifsoplockbreak

A race condition can occur in cifsoplockbreak() leading to a use-after-free of the cinode structure when unmounting:

cifsoplockbreak() cifsFileInfoput(cfile) cifsFileInfoputfinal() cifssbdeactive() [last ref, start releasing sb] killsb() killanonsuper() genericshutdownsuper() evictinodes() disposelist() evict() destroyinode() callrcu(&inode->ircu, icallback) spinlock(&cinode->openfilelock) <- OK [later] icallback() cifsfreeinode() kmemcachefree(cinode) spinunlock(&cinode->openfilelock) <- UAF cifsdoneoplockbreak(cinode) <- UAF

The issue occurs when umount has already released its reference to the superblock. When cifsFileInfoput() calls cifssbdeactive(), this releases the last reference, triggering the immediate cleanup of all inodes under RCU. However, cifsoplockbreak() continues to access the cinode after this point, resulting in use-after-free.

Fix this by holding an extra reference to the superblock during the entire oplock break operation. This ensures that the superblock and its inodes remain valid until the oplock break completes.

Affected Software

24 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=3.16.72<3.17
Linux Linux kernel>=4.9.171<4.10
Linux Linux kernel>=4.14.114<4.15
Linux Linux kernel>=4.19.37<4.20
Linux Linux kernel>=5.0.10<5.1
Linux Linux kernel>=5.1.1<5.15.190
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.147
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.100
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.40
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.15.8
Linux Linux kernel=5.1
Linux Linux kernel=5.1-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=5.1-rc7
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.16-rc6
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
Microsoft cbl2 kernel 5.15.186.1-1
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.96.2-2
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.96.2-1

Event History

Aug 16, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:12 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:12 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·12:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Sep 4, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·01:51 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:51 AM
SeverityAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:51 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Nov 7, 58546
Event
via MITRE·08:49 AM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-38527?

CVE-2025-38527 has been classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause a use-after-free condition.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-38527?

To fix CVE-2025-38527, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version that addresses this vulnerability.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2025-38527?

CVE-2025-38527 affects the Linux Kernel in implementations using CIFS, particularly involving oplock break functionality.

4

What happens if CVE-2025-38527 is exploited?

Exploiting CVE-2025-38527 can lead to undefined behavior, system crashes, or potential remote code execution due to a race condition and use-after-free issue.

5

When was CVE-2025-38527 discovered?

CVE-2025-38527 was identified and documented in 2025, highlighting an important security issue within the Linux Kernel's CIFS functionality.

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