CVE-2025-39855:A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ice driver for E810 network devices could lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.

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The Linux kernel's ice driver for Intel E810 network devices contains a vulnerability in the ice_ptp_ts_irq() function. This function fails to check if the Tx timestamp tracker is initialized before accessing it, potentially leading to NULL pointer dereferences or use-after-free bugs. The issue occurs when a Tx timestamp interrupt races with the driver reset logic, causing system instability or crashes. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited for denial of service attacks or privilege escalation.

Overview

The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's ice driver, specifically the handling of Tx timestamps for Intel E810 network devices. The E810 device uses a "low latency" firmware interface for accessing Tx timestamps, which bypasses the standard timestamp logic. However, the ice_ptp_ts_irq() function does not properly check if the Tx timestamp tracker is initialized before accessing it. This oversight can result in NULL pointer dereferences or use-after-free bugs, leading to kernel panics or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly problematic when a Tx timestamp interrupt occurs simultaneously with driver reset operations, creating a race condition that exposes the flaw.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, the Linux kernel maintainers have implemented a fix that adds proper initialization checks before accessing the Tx timestamp tracker. The patch ensures that the in_use bitmap and other fields are only accessed if the tracker is marked as initialized. Additionally, the driver reset flow now clears the init field under lock before tearing down the tracker, preventing potential use-after-free or NULL access issues. Users and system administrators should update their Linux kernel to a version that includes this fix to mitigate the vulnerability. It is also recommended to monitor for any additional security advisories related to this issue and apply any further patches or updates as they become available.

References

[1] Linux Kernel Git Repository. "ice: fix NULL access of tx->in_use in ice_ptp_ts_irq." https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1467a873b20110263cc9c93de99335d139c11e16

[2] Linux Kernel Git Repository. "ice: fix NULL access of tx->in_use in ice_ptp_ts_irq." https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/403bf043d9340196e06769065169df7444b91f7a

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing: Medium
    Manufacturing
  2. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  3. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  4. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  5. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  6. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  7. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  8. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  9. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  10. Information: Low
    Information
  11. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  12. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  13. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Construction: Low
    Construction
  16. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  17. Mining: Low
    Mining
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

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