Vulnerability in Linux kernel (CVE-2025-21702)
Summary
Vulnerability in Linux kernel (CVE-2025-21702). Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. Exploitable via NET_XMIT_CN.
Original description
The description as published by the source.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
pfifo_tail_enqueue: Drop new packet when sch->limit == 0
Expected behaviour:
In case we reach scheduler's limit, pfifo_tail_enqueue() will drop a
packet in scheduler's queue and decrease scheduler's qlen by one.
Then, pfifo_tail_enqueue() enqueue new packet and increase
scheduler's qlen by one. Finally, pfifo_tail_enqueue() return
NET_XMIT_CN status code.
Weird behaviour:
In case we set sch->limit == 0 and trigger pfifo_tail_enqueue() on a
scheduler that has no packet, the 'drop a packet' step will do nothing.
This means the scheduler's qlen still has value equal 0.
Then, we continue to enqueue new packet and increase scheduler's qlen by
one. In summary, we can leverage pfifo_tail_enqueue() to increase qlen by
one and return NET_XMIT_CN status code.
The problem is:
Let's say we have two qdiscs: Qdisc_A and Qdisc_B.
- Qdisc_A's type must have '->graft()' function to create parent/child relationship.
Let's say Qdisc_A's type ishfsc. Enqueue packet to this qdisc will triggerhfsc_enqueue. - Qdisc_B's type is pfifo_head_drop. Enqueue packet to this qdisc will trigger
pfifo_tail_enqueue. - Qdisc_B is configured to have
sch->limit == 0. - Qdisc_A is configured to route the enqueued's packet to Qdisc_B.
Enqueue packet through Qdisc_A will lead to:
- hfsc_enqueue(Qdisc_A) -> pfifo_tail_enqueue(Qdisc_B)
- Qdisc_B->q.qlen += 1
- pfifo_tail_enqueue() return
NET_XMIT_CN - hfsc_enqueue() c…
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database NVD GitHub Advisory
Auto-generated summary
Assembled by SecPulse from the source data (CVSS, CWE, affected versions) using templates — no AI involved. Check the original description and references below for exact details.
A vulnerability tracked as CVE-2025-21702 has been found in Linux kernel.
Attackers can target a specific entry point like NET_XMIT_CN over the network to misuse the product.
Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover. CVSS score: 7.8/10.
What to do: apply the vendor's official patched release.
If unsure, ask your IT team or search "Linux kernel CVE-2025-21702" on the vendor's site.
CVE-2025-21702 (Linux kernel) — CVSS v3 7.8
Attack vector: local / no user interaction
Attack surface: NET_XMIT_CN / hfsc / hfsc_enqueue / pfifo_tail_enqueue
Plan: 1) Audit SBOM/dependencies, 2) Stage→prod upgrade, 3) Add WAF/proxy monitoring on affected endpoints, 4) Hunt IOCs in logs.
Refs: see the GHSA / vendor advisory / patched release linked on this page.
A vulnerability (unclassified) exists in Linux kernel. Attackers reach the vulnerable code path via NET_XMIT_CN.
Check the vendor advisory for the affected versions of Linux kernel. Attack surface: NET_XMIT_CN / hfsc / hfsc_enqueue / pfifo_tail_enqueue.
Severity: High (CVSS 7.8/10). Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover.
Update to the patched release per vendor advisory.
Until the patch is applied: disable the affected feature, apply WAF rules, or restrict access via network ACLs.
Search webserver/proxy logs for unusual request patterns matching this CVE's known IOCs. Audit SBOM/dependencies to find affected services.
Response actions
Concrete steps and command examples for SOC/SRE teams to execute in order
-
1Identify exposure identify
Audit SBOM/dependencies for affected components.資産台帳・SBOM・依存マニフェストで Linux kernel を使っているサービスとバージョンを洗い出す。
-
2Post-deployment verification verify
Confirm patched version is live in productionパッチ適用後、ステージングで PoC または同等の悪用パターンを再現して脆弱性が閉じたことを確認。本番ではアクセスログ・WAF でアラート再発が無いか継続監視。
Affected packages
Fix status by distribution
Fixed packages published by each distribution for this CVE
- BellSoft Alpaquita BELL-CVE-2025-21702 linux-lts Fixed in: 6.1.130-r0
- Debian DEBIAN-CVE-2025-21702 linux Fixed in: 5.10.237-1
- Ubuntu UBUNTU-CVE-2025-21702 linux
References
- advisory nvd.nist.gov
- advisory github.com
- package git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web git.kernel.org
- web lists.debian.org
- web lists.debian.org
- web cert-portal.siemens.com
- web github.com
- web cert-portal.siemens.com
- web cert-portal.siemens.com
- web cert-portal.siemens.com