CVE-2025-38579: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: f2fs: fix KMSAN uninit-value in extent_info usage KMSAN reported a use of uninitialized value in `__is_extent_mergeable()` and `__is_back_mergeable()` via the read extent tree path. The root cause is that `get_read_extent_info()` only initializes three fields (`fofs`, `blk`, `len`) of `struct extent_info`, leaving the remaining fields uninitialized. This leads to undefined behavior when those fields are accessed later, especially during extent merging. Fix it by zero-initializing the `extent_info` struct before population.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-38579, 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
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