ZeroDay Findings
Sign inSign up

Findings

CVE-2025-38209

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: remove tag set when second admin queue config fails Commit 104d0e2f6222 ("nvme-fabrics: r…

Published Jul 4, 2025 · corrected/updated Oct 15, 2026 · linux linux kernel · evidence confidence high

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: remove tag set when second admin queue config fails Commit 104d0e2f6222 ("nvme-fabrics: reset admin connection for secure concatenation") modified nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() to call nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() twice. The first call prepares for DH-CHAP negotitation, and the second call is required for secure concatenation. However, this change triggered BUG KASAN slab-use-after- free in blk_mq_queue_tag_busy_iter(). This BUG can be recreated by repeating the blktests test case nvme/063 a few times [1]. When the BUG happens, nvme_tcp_create_ctrl() fails in the call chain below: nvme_tcp_create_ctrl() nvme_tcp_alloc_ctrl() new=true ... Alloc nvme_tcp_ctrl and admin_tag_set nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() new=true nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() new=true ... Succeed nvme_alloc_admin_tag_set() ... Alloc the tag set for admin_tag_set nvme_stop_keep_alive() nvme_tcp_teardown_admin_queue() remove=false nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() new=false nvme_tcp_alloc_admin_queue() ... Fail, but do not call nvme_remove_admin_tag_set() nvme_uninit_ctrl() nvme_put_ctrl() ... Free up the nvme_tcp_ctrl and admin_tag_set The first call of nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() succeeds with new=true argument. The second call fails with new=false argument. This second call does not call nvme_remove_admin_tag_set() on failure, due to the new=false argument. Then the admin tag set is not removed. However, nvme_tcp_create_ctrl() assumes that nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() would call nvme_remove_admin_tag_set(). Then it frees up struct nvme_tcp_ctrl which has admin_tag_set field. Later on, the timeout handler accesses the admin_tag_set field and causes the BUG KASAN slab-use-after-free. To not leave the admin tag set, call nvme_remove_admin_tag_set() when the second nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() call fails. Do not return from nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() on failure. Instead, jump to "destroy_admin" go-to label to call nvme_tcp_teardown_admin_

Grounded briefings

Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.

Executive

CVE-2025-38209 is a high public vulnerability record for linux linux kernel. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.

System administrator

Identify whether linux linux kernel is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: linux/linux kernel. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.

Security analyst

Signals on file: CVSS 7.8, EPSS 0.4%. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Weakness classes: CWE-416. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, epss, nvd. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.

Exploitation and remediation

  • Exploitation evidence

    Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in CISA KEV or VulnCheck KEV.

  • Patch and remediation

    No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.

  • Safe detection guidance

    Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.

Code

The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

  1. Jul 4, 2025 · NIST NVD

    Detected

    In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: remove tag set when second admin queue config fails Commit 104d0e2f6222 ("nvme-fabrics: reset admin connection for secure concatenation") modified nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() to call nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() twice. The first call prepares for DH-CHAP negotitation, and the second call is required for secure concatenatio

  2. Oct 15, 2026 · NIST NVD

    Updated

    In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: remove tag set when second admin queue config fails Commit 104d0e2f6222 ("nvme-fabrics: reset admin connection for secure concatenation") modified nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() to call nvme_tcp_configure_admin_queue() twice. The first call prepares for DH-CHAP negotitation, and the second call is required for secure concatenatio

Affected

  • cpe linux/linux kernelversion unspecified

Sources

  • CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2025-38209

    Official CVE identifier

    cve.org
  • FIRST EPSSExploitation probabilityCVE-2025-38209

    30-day exploitation probability 0.4%

    first.org
  • NIST NVDVulnerability recordCVE-2025-38209

    In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: remove tag set when second admin queue config fails Commit 104d0e2f6222 ("nvme-fabrics: reset admin connection for secure concatenation") modified nvme_tcp_setup_ctrl() to call nvme_tcp_configure_admi

    nvd.nist.gov

References