CVE-2025-71158 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

System administrators and users of Linux kernel versions 6.13 to 6.18.6 should apply patches to prevent potential system crashes and ensure stability. This includes reviewing system deployments for affected versions, assessing exposure, and prioritizing patch application. Security teams should monitor system stability and worker processes for anomalies, and track exceptions and remediation efforts.

Technical summary

The gpio: mpsse driver in the Linux kernel did not properly protect its worker list, leading to potential crashes on device unplug. A fix has been applied using a spinlock to protect the worker list and ensure proper teardown on disconnect. Affected kernel versions range from 6.13 to 6.18.6. The issue allowed for a crash when an IRQ worker was running and the device was unplugged. This was due to inadequate protection of a list of workers. The fix involves using a spinlock to protect the list and tearing it down on disconnect. System administrators should review their deployments for affected versions and apply patches to prevent potential system crashes and ensure stability.

Defensive priority

Apply patches to prevent potential crashes and ensure system stability.

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply patches referenced in the CVE record to prevent potential crashes.
• Ensure systems with Linux kernel versions 6.13 to 6.18.6 are updated to prevent vulnerability exploitation.
• Monitor system stability and worker processes for anomalies.
• 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 NVD entry for CVE-2025-71158 provides details on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score and affected versions of the Linux kernel. Patches are available to mitigate the issue. To verify, defenders should review the official CVE record and assess their system's exposure. The gpio: mpsse driver in the Linux kernel did not properly protect its worker list, leading to potential crashes on device unplug. A fix has been applied using a spinlock to protect the worker list and ensure proper teardown on disconnect. Affected kernel versions range from 6.13 to 6.18.6. Evidence limits suggest that further verification is required to confirm affected deployments and ensure patch application.

Official resources