CVE-2025-38732: netfilter: nf_reject: don't leak dst refcount for loopback packets

Published Sep 5, 2025
·
Updated

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

netfilter: nfreject: don't leak dst refcount for loopback packets

recent patches to add a WARN() when replacing skb dst entry found an old bug:

WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skbdstcheckunset include/linux/skbuff.h:1164 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skbdstset include/linux/skbuff.h:1210 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 nfrejectfillskbdst+0x2a4/0x330 net/ipv4/netfilter/nfrejectipv4.c:234 [..] Call Trace: nfsendunreach+0x17b/0x6e0 net/ipv4/netfilter/nfrejectipv4.c:325 nftrejectineteval+0x4bc/0x690 net/netfilter/nftrejectinet.c:27 exprcallopseval net/netfilter/nftablescore.c:237 [inline] ..

This is because blamed commit forgot about loopback packets. Such packets already have a dstentry attached, even at PREROUTING stage.

Instead of checking hook just check if the skb already has a route attached to it.

Affected Software

13 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.96.2-1
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.96.2-2
Linux Linux kernel>=5.9<5.10.241
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.190
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.149
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.103
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.44
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.16.4
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc2
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
Microsoft cbl2 kernel 5.15.186.1-1

Event History

Sep 5, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:20 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:20 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 7, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·01:13 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·01:13 AM
SeverityAffected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:13 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Updated
via Microsoft·08:13 AM
SeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-38732?

CVE-2025-38732 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-38732?

To fix CVE-2025-38732, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2025-38732?

CVE-2025-38732 affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel prior to the release that includes the patch.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-38732?

CVE-2025-38732 is a bug related to network filtering in the Linux kernel's netfilter subsystem.

5

Can CVE-2025-38732 be exploited remotely?

While CVE-2025-38732 primarily involves local processes, the implications of the vulnerability could potentially lead to exploitation under specific conditions.

Contact

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