xsk: Harden userspace-supplied xdp_desc validation
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
xsk: Harden userspace-supplied xdp_desc validation
Turned out certain clearly invalid values passed in xdp_desc from
userspace can pass xp_{,un}aligned_validate_desc() and then lead
to UBs or just invalid frames to be queued for xmit.
desc->len close to `U32_MAX` with a non-zero pool->tx_metadata_len
can cause positive integer overflow and wraparound, the same way low
enough desc->addr with a non-zero pool->tx_metadata_len can cause
negative integer overflow. Both scenarios can then pass the
validation successfully.
This doesn't happen with valid XSk applications, but can be used
to perform attacks.
Always promote desc->len to `u64` first to exclude positive
overflows of it. Use explicit check_{add,sub}_overflow() when
validating desc->addr (which is `u64` already).
bloat-o-meter reports a little growth of the code size:
add/remove: 0/0 grow/shrink: 2/1 up/down: 60/-16 (44)
Function old new delta
xskq_cons_peek_desc 299 330 +31
xsk_tx_peek_release_desc_batch 973 1002 +29
xsk_generic_xmit 3148 3132 -16
but hopefully this doesn't hurt the performance much.
This issue can be reached with local access to the system, attack complexity is low, an attacker needs low-level privileges on the target. No user interaction is required. The scope is unchanged, so the impact stays within the vulnerable component. Rated impact: confidentiality high, integrity high, availability high.
CVE-2025-40159 is recorded against 2 packages.
Published on 12 November 2025 and last revised on 12 August 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from NVD.
git.kernel.org (Web)
git.kernel.org (Web)
git.kernel.org (Web)
github.com (Advisory)
nvd.nist.gov (Advisory)
git.kernel.org (Package)
Each distribution ships its own build and its own fixed version. Pick the one you run:
Details
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| kernel | 6.13.0 | 6.17.4 |
| unknown | — | — |
References
Similar Threats
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ⓘ Data Notice: The information presented above has been compiled from publicly available internet sources. Boteraser aggregates this data solely for informational purposes and does not independently classify, evaluate, or endorse any findings about the vulnerabilities listed. The accuracy and completeness of this information is the sole responsibility of the original publishers. Boteraser and its operators accept no liability for any decisions made based on this data.
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