CVE-2025-71079 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

System administrators and users of Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability, especially those using Linux kernel versions prior to the patched versions. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited locally to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) or other unintended behavior.

Technical summary

The CVE-2025-71079 vulnerability is caused by a deadlock between the nfc_unregister_device and rfkill_fop_write functions in the Linux kernel. This deadlock occurs due to a lock ordering inversion between device_lock and rfkill_global_mutex. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause a system hang or other denial-of-service conditions. The vulnerability has been addressed through a series of patches to the Linux kernel's NFC subsystem, which reorder the locking to prevent the deadlock.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply the latest Linux kernel patches to ensure the NFC subsystem is updated with the fix.
• Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure they are not vulnerable.
• Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity related to NFC or rfkill operations.
• Consider implementing additional security measures such as SELinux or other Mandatory Access Control (MAC) systems to limit the impact of potential exploits.
• Perform a thorough review of system configurations and network exposure to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Track and verify patch deployment across the environment to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Maintain up-to-date asset inventory records to facilitate timely vulnerability management.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2025-71079 vulnerability was identified and resolved through a collaborative effort involving the Linux kernel community and cybersecurity researchers. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on January 13, 2026, and has since been patched. The patches reorder the locking in the NFC subsystem to prevent the deadlock, ensuring that the device_lock is not held while waiting for rfkill_global_mutex.

Official resources