Critical· 9.8official fix available
CVE-2025-38660
A critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's parse_longname function could allow malicious exploitation due to improper handling of string termination. The issue has been resolved in a kernel update.
publishedAug 22, 2025
last modifiedJul 30, 2026
sourcesNVD
severity · cvss
9.8
critical · how bad it is
exploitation · epss
<1%
31th percentile · chance of exploitation in 30 days
(ai-assisted) A model wrote this summary from the official data, so double-check it against the source before you act on it. Read the official advisory →
auto-deletes from the system
counting…on Aug 29, 2026
An official fix is available, so this entry is kept for 30 days and then removed automatically.
01
Who is affected
Systems using the Linux kernel
02
Real-world impact
High risk of exploitation leading to potential security breaches
03
Why this severity
CVSS 9.8 (critical) - High confidence in exploitation and severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability
04
What to do about it
official fix available
recommended steps
- 01Apply the Linux kernel patch that resolves the parse_longname() vulnerability by ensuring NUL-terminated strings are used
- 02Upgrade to the latest stable Linux kernel version containing this fix
NVD description of kernel resolution
05
Timeline
- Aug 22, 2025 · Aug 22, 2025PublishedDisclosed and added to the National Vulnerability Database.
- Jul 30, 2026 · 7d agoAdvisory updatedThe NVD record was last revised.
- Jul 30, 2026 · 6d agoOfficial fix availableA vendor patch or mitigation now exists — see the remediation steps above.
06
How it’s attacked
Attack vectorNetwork (remote)
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone needed
ScopeUnchanged
Confidentiality impactHigh
Integrity impactHigh
Availability impactHigh
07
References & advisories
(ai-assisted) A model wrote this summary from the official data, so double-check it against the source before you act on it. Read the official advisory →