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CVE-2025-68818 Linux CVE debrief

A Linux kernel vulnerability, CVE-2025-68818, was resolved by reverting a commit in the scsi: qla2xxx driver that caused a NULL pointer dereference in target-mode. The commit being reverted added code to __qla2x00_abort_all_cmds() to call sp->done() without holding a spinlock, which resulted in a jump to an invalid pointer. This issue was later addressed by adding a spinlock back to prevent a race and crash. However, the code above the switch statement was found to be redundant and still buggy in target-mode, so it was removed. Linux kernel users, particularly those using the qla2xxx driver, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to ensure their systems are updated with the patched kernel.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-01-13
Original CVE updated
2026-07-14
Advisory published
2026-01-13
Advisory updated
2026-07-14

Who should care

Linux kernel users, particularly those using the qla2xxx driver, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to ensure their systems are updated with the patched kernel. This includes verifying that the qla2xxx driver is properly configured and updated, and monitoring system logs for potential issues related to the qla2xxx driver.

Technical summary

The vulnerability was introduced by a commit that added code to __qla2x00_abort_all_cmds() to call sp->done() without holding a spinlock. This resulted in a NULL pointer dereference in target-mode. The commit was later reverted, and a spinlock was added back to prevent a race and crash. However, the code above the switch statement was found to be redundant and still buggy in target-mode, so it was removed. The patched kernel includes a fix for this vulnerability.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update the Linux kernel to a version that includes the patched qla2xxx driver
  • Verify that the qla2xxx driver is properly configured and updated
  • Monitor system logs for potential issues related to the qla2xxx driver
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-01-13T16:16:04.097Z and last modified on 2026-07-14T13:18:01.110Z. The NVD entry is currently Deferred. There is limited information available about this vulnerability, and further verification is needed to determine its scope and impact.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-01-13T16:16:04.097Z and has not been modified since then.