CVE-2025-39941: zram: fix slot write race condition

Published Oct 4, 2025
·
Updated

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

zram: fix slot write race condition

Parallel concurrent writes to the same zram index result in leaked zsmalloc handles. Schematically we can have something like this:

CPU0 CPU1 zramslotlock() zsfree(handle) zramslotlock() zramslotlock() zsfree(handle) zramslotlock()

compress compress handle = zsmalloc() handle = zsmalloc() zramslotlock zramsethandle(handle) zramslotlock zramslotlock zramsethandle(handle) zramslotlock

Either CPU0 or CPU1 zsmalloc handle will leak because zsfree() is done too early. In fact, we need to reset zram entry right before we set its new handle, all under the same slot lock scope.

Affected Software

8 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.14<6.16.9
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.17-rc6

Event History

Oct 4, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:31 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:31 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-39941?

CVE-2025-39941 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on concurrent writes in the zram module.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-39941?

To fix CVE-2025-39941, upgrade to the latest stable version of the Linux kernel where this vulnerability has been addressed.

3

What is the nature of CVE-2025-39941?

CVE-2025-39941 involves a race condition in the zram module that can lead to the leaking of zsmalloc handles during concurrent writes.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2025-39941?

All users running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel that utilize the zram module are affected by CVE-2025-39941.

5

Is CVE-2025-39941 actively exploited?

As of now, there is no public evidence to suggest that CVE-2025-39941 is being actively exploited in the wild.

Contact

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