CVE-2025-21780 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the AMDGPU driver component responsible for managing AMD graphics hardware. The flaw exists in the function smu_sys_set_pp_table(), which handles power play tables (pptable) used to control GPU power management settings. The vulnerability arises when a malicious user provides a small pptable through the sysfs interface, followed by a larger pptable. This sequence can trigger a buffer overflow condition due to improper handling of the pptable size and memory allocation in the function. Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, cause denial of service by crashing the kernel, or escalate privileges from a lower-privileged user to root. The attack vector involves interaction with sysfs, a virtual filesystem that exposes kernel objects to user space, which means the attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 137d63abbf6a0859e79b662e81d21170ecb75e59, indicating a particular code state before the patch was applied. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. However, the nature of the vulnerability in a critical kernel driver and the potential for privilege escalation or system compromise make it a significant security concern. The vulnerability was published on February 27, 2025, and was reserved in late December 2024, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk especially for those relying on Linux systems with AMD GPUs, including servers, workstations, and embedded devices. Exploitation could allow malicious insiders or attackers with local access to escalate privileges to root, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, or use of compromised systems as footholds for further network attacks. Industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, which often use Linux-based systems for their robustness and security, could be particularly impacted. Moreover, organizations with remote access solutions or shared hosting environments may see increased risk if attackers gain initial access and then exploit this vulnerability to deepen control. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation remains high given the kernel-level impact. The vulnerability also complicates compliance with European data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) if exploited to access or disrupt personal data processing systems.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2025-21780 once available. Until patches are deployed, organizations should restrict local access to systems with AMD GPUs, enforcing strict user permissions and monitoring sysfs interactions for suspicious activity. Employing kernel security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor with policies restricting access to sysfs entries related to AMDGPU can reduce exploitation risk. System administrators should audit and limit the use of untrusted software or scripts that interact with GPU power management interfaces. Additionally, implementing comprehensive endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting anomalous kernel-level behavior can help identify exploitation attempts early. Regularly updating Linux distributions and kernel versions to incorporate security fixes is critical. For environments where patching is delayed, consider isolating vulnerable systems or disabling AMDGPU power management features if feasible, though this may impact performance. Finally, maintain robust logging and incident response plans to quickly address any signs of compromise related to this vulnerability.