CVE-2025-21786: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: workqueue: Put the pwq after detaching the rescuer from the pool The commit 68f83057b913("workqueue: Reap workers via kthread_stop() and remove detach_completion") adds code to reap the normal workers but mistakenly does not handle the rescuer and also removes the code waiting for the rescuer in put_unbound_pool(), which caused a use-after-free bug reported by Cheung Wall. To avoid the use-after-free bug, the pool’s reference must be held until the detachment is complete. Therefore, move the code that puts the pwq after detaching the rescuer from the pool.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-21786, a high vulnerability (CVSS 7.8) affecting linux kernel, may affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the vulnerable environment. The exact impact depends on the installed version, exposed interfaces and deployment configuration.

Recommended administrator action

Confirm whether linux kernel is present and compare installed versions with the vendor advisory and NVD record. Apply the vendor patch or documented mitigation; until remediation is complete, reduce exposure of affected interfaces, review relevant logs and monitor for indicators of exploitation. DataHouse can support version verification, managed patching, network exposure reduction, log review and backup validation for dedicated, cloud and colocated environments.

Sources

• NVD
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference