CVE-2025-21763·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: neighbour: use RCU protection in __neigh_notify() __neigh_notify() can be called without RTNL or RCU protection. Use RCU protection to avoid potential UAF.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.13.4
- Published
- 2025-02-27
Affected versions
From: 6.13
Until: 6.13.4
Fixed in: 6.13.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.13.4 or later to address a use-after-free vulnerability in the neighbour notification subsystem. This vulnerability allows local attackers with unprivileged access to trigger memory corruption through unprotected access to neighbour cache structures. Kernel updates should be applied immediately followed by a system reboot to activate the patched version.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Run `uname -r` to check the currently running kernel version and verify if it is 6.13.0 through 6.13.3
- Check `/proc/version` and cross-reference against the affected kernel version range (6.13.0 to 6.13.3)
- Examine `/var/log/kern.log` or `journalctl -k` for segmentation faults, NULL pointer dereferences, or use-after-free error messages related to neighbour protocol handling
- Verify the patch has been applied by running `uname -r` after reboot and confirming the kernel version is 6.13.4 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2025-21763?
CVE-2025-21763 is a use-after-free memory corruption flaw in the Linux kernel's neighbour subsystem that occurs when the notification handler is invoked without proper RCU synchronization, potentially allowing local privilege escalation.
Is CVE-2025-21763 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2025-21763 is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available, though the high CVSS score warrants prompt patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2025-21763?
Linux kernel versions 6.13.0 through 6.13.3 are vulnerable; kernel 6.13.4 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2025-21763?
Execute `uname -r` and compare the output against 6.13.0-6.13.3; if your kernel version falls within this range, immediate patching is required.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2025-21763?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2025-21763 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1cbb2aa90cd3fba15ad7efb5cdda28f3d1082379
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/40d8f2f2a373b6c294ffac394d2bb814b572ead1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/559307d25235e24b5424778c7332451b6c741159
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/784eb2376270e086f7db136d154b8404edacf97b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8666e9aab801328c1408a19fbf4070609dc0695a
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