In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/sched: Restrict conditions for adding duplicating netems to qdisc tree
netem_enqueue's duplication prevention logic breaks when a netem
resides in a qdisc tree with other netems - this can lead to a
soft lockup and OOM loop in netem_dequeue, as seen in [1].
Ensure that a duplicating netem cannot exist in a tree with other
netems.
Previous approaches suggested in discussions in chronological order:
1) Track duplication status or ttl in the sk_buff struct. Considered
too specific a use case to extend such a struct, though this would
be a resilient fix and address other previous and potential future
DOS bugs like the one described in loopy fun [2].
2) Restrict netem_enqueue recursion depth like in act_mirred with a
per cpu variable. However, netem_dequeue can call enqueue on its
child, and the depth restriction could be bypassed if the child is a
netem.
3) Use the same approach as in 2, but add metadata in netem_skb_cb
to handle the netem_dequeue case and track a packet's involvement
in duplication. This is an overly complex approach, and Jamal
notes that the skb cb can be overwritten to circumvent this
safeguard.
4) Prevent the addition of a netem to a qdisc tree if its ancestral
path contains a netem. However, filters and actions can cause a
packet to change paths when re-enqueued to the root from netem
duplication, leading us to the current solution: prevent a
duplicating netem from inhabiting the same tree as other netems.
[1] https://lore.kernel.org/netdev/8DuRWwfqjoRDLDmBMlIfbrsZg9Gx50DHJc1ilxsEBNe2D6NMoigR_eIRIG0LOjMc3r10nUUZtArXx4oZBIdUfZQrwjcQhdinnMis_0G7VEk=@willsroot.io/
[2] https://lwn.net/Articles/719297/
CVSS
No CVSS.
References
Configurations
No configuration.
History
19 Aug 2025, 13:42
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Summary |
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19 Aug 2025, 06:15
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New CVE |
Information
Published : 2025-08-19 06:15
Updated : 2025-08-19 13:42
NVD link : CVE-2025-38553
Mitre link : CVE-2025-38553
CVE.ORG link : CVE-2025-38553
JSON object : View
Products Affected
No product.
CWE
No CWE.