CVE-2025-38528: bpf: Reject %p% format string in bprintf-like helpers

Published Aug 16, 2025
·
Updated

bpf: Reject %p% format string in bprintf-like helpers

Affected Software

16 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.13<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=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 6.6.96.2-1
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.96.2-2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Apply the kernel fix that makes BPF bprintf-like helpers reject the '%p%' format string (rather than skipping over the second '%' / punctuation while preparing the format). This prevents the warning in lib/vsprintf.c:2680 (format_decode) caused by processing '%p%' in bpf_trace_printk-like helpers.

    Linux kernel (BPF bprintf-like helpers) Reject %p% format strings in bprintf-like helpers (e.g., bpf_trace_printk) = Reject

Event History

Aug 16, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:12 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:12 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 4, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·02:02 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·09:02 AM
SeverityAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·09:02 AM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-38528?

CVE-2025-38528 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-38528?

To mitigate CVE-2025-38528, update to the latest version of the Linux kernel that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What impact does CVE-2025-38528 have on systems?

CVE-2025-38528 can cause kernel warnings at runtime due to the improper handling of format strings in BPF programs.

4

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2025-38528?

CVE-2025-38528 affects specific versions of the Linux kernel; consult the release notes for your distribution to determine if your version is vulnerable.

5

What components are involved in CVE-2025-38528?

CVE-2025-38528 involves the BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) subsystem within the Linux kernel.

Contact

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