CVE-2025-38728
A critical flaw in the Linux kernel’s SMB3 mount handling can let an attacker read memory outside the intended buffer, potentially crashing the system. The issue has been fixed in newer kernel releases.
An official fix is available, so this entry is kept for 30 days and then removed automatically.
Who is affected
Linux kernel versions 4.18, 6.17 and Debian Linux 11.0 (and any other distributions using those kernels).
Real-world impact
An attacker who can trigger a mount to a malicious SMB share could cause the kernel to crash, leading to a denial‑of‑service on the affected machine.
Why this severity
The CVSS score of 9.1 reflects that the vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication, can crash the system (high availability impact), and requires no user interaction.
What to do about it
- 01Upgrade your Linux kernel to a version that includes the fix for CVE-2025-38728.
- 02Reboot the system to load the updated kernel.
NVD-referenced vendor advisory
Timeline
- Sep 4, 2025 · Sep 4, 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.
How it’s attacked
References & advisories
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/7d34ec36abb84fdfb6…patch
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/8de33d4d72e8fae350…patch
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/9bdb8e98a0073c73ab…patch
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/a0620e1525663edd8c…patch
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/a542f93a123555d09c…patch
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/f6eda5b0e8f8123564…patch
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/10…mailing listthird party advisory
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-032379…