CVE-2025-21760
Linux Kernel vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

CVE-2025-21760 affects the Linux kernel's ndisc (Neighbor Discovery) component. The vulnerability was discovered and disclosed on February 26, 2025, involving a potential Use-After-Free (UAF) condition in the ndiscsendskb() function. The issue occurs because this function can be called without proper RTNL or RCU protection held (NVD).

Technical details

The vulnerability stems from insufficient RCU (Read-Copy-Update) protection in the ndiscsendskb() function within the Linux kernel's IPv6 neighbor discovery implementation. The function could be called without proper RTNL (Route Netlink) or RCU locks held, potentially leading to a Use-After-Free condition. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8 (HIGH) with vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H (NVD).

Impact

The vulnerability could potentially lead to a Use-After-Free condition in the Linux kernel's networking stack, which could result in system crashes, memory corruption, or potential privilege escalation. The high CVSS score indicates significant potential impact on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability (NVD).

Mitigation and workarounds

The vulnerability has been patched by extending RCU protection in ndiscsendskb(). The fix involves acquiring rcureadlock() earlier in the function execution to ensure proper protection when using devnetrcu(). The patch has been reviewed by David Ahern and Kuniyuki Iwashima, and committed by Jakub Kicinski (Kernel Commit).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

Related Linux Kernel vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2025-40205HIGH7.8
  • Linux KernelLinux Kernel
  • linux-gcp-5.4
NoYesNov 12, 2025
CVE-2025-40211HIGH7.1
  • Linux KernelLinux Kernel
  • linux-gcp-6.8
NoYesNov 21, 2025
CVE-2025-40206MEDIUM5.5
  • Linux KernelLinux Kernel
  • kernel-zfcpdump-modules-extra
NoYesNov 12, 2025
CVE-2025-40210MEDIUM5.1
  • Linux KernelLinux Kernel
  • kernel-rt-64k-modules
NoYesNov 21, 2025
CVE-2025-40212N/AN/A
  • Linux KernelLinux Kernel
  • linux-azure-6.14
NoYesNov 24, 2025

Free Vulnerability Assessment

Benchmark your Cloud Security Posture

Evaluate your cloud security practices across 9 security domains to benchmark your risk level and identify gaps in your defenses.

Request assessment

Get a personalized demo

Ready to see Wiz in action?

"Best User Experience I have ever seen, provides full visibility to cloud workloads."
David EstlickCISO
"Wiz provides a single pane of glass to see what is going on in our cloud environments."
Adam FletcherChief Security Officer
"We know that if Wiz identifies something as critical, it actually is."
Greg PoniatowskiHead of Threat and Vulnerability Management