CVE-2025-38240: linux kernel Null Dereference — Fix

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/mediatek: dp: drm_err => dev_err in HPD path to avoid NULL ptr The function mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() may be called before the `mtk_dp->drm_dev` pointer is assigned in mtk_dp_bridge_attach(). Specifically it can be called via this callpath: - mtk_edp_wait_hpd_asserted - [panel probe] - dp_aux_ep_probe Using "drm" level prints anywhere in this callpath causes a NULL pointer dereference. Change the error message directly in mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() to dev_err() to avoid this. Also change the error messages in mtk_dp_parse_capabilities(), which is called by mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted(). While touching these prints, also add the error code to them to make future debugging easier.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

5.5

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-476 CWE-476

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
linux	linux_kernel	6.6 — 6.6.87
linux	linux_kernel	6.7 — 6.12.23
linux	linux_kernel	6.13 — 6.13.11
linux	linux_kernel	6.14 — 6.14.2

References

Advisories & Patches

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/106a6de46cf4887d535018185ec528ce822d6d84 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/13ec849fd2eab808ee8eba2625df7ebea3b85edf https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/149a5c38436c229950cf1020992ce65c9549bc19 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2fda391ef7a701748abd7fa32232981b522c1e07 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/57a9fb47551b33cde7b76d17c0072c3b394f4620

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-38240? +

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/mediatek: dp: drm_err => dev_err in HPD path to avoid NULL ptr The function mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() may be called before the `mtk_dp->drm_dev` pointer is assigned in mtk_dp_bridge_attach(). Specifically it can be called via this callpath: - mtk_edp_wait_hpd_asserted - [panel probe] - dp_aux_ep_probe Using "drm" level prints anywhere in this callpath causes a NULL pointer dereference. Change the error message directly in mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() to dev_err() to avoid this. Also change the error messages in mtk_dp_parse_capabilities(), which is called by mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted(). While touching these prints, also add the error code to them to make future debugging easier. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2025-38240? +

CVE-2025-38240 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.5 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.

What products are affected by CVE-2025-38240? +

CVE-2025-38240 affects products from linux, specifically: linux_kernel. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2025-38240? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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