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VulnerabilityPublished Updated

CVE-2025-21887: Linux kernel · ovl: fix UAF in ovl_dentry_update_reval by moving dput() in ovl_link_up

Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database

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Authoritative record:CVE-2025-21887· High 7.8

Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High · fixed in 5.15.0-1084.91~20.04.1 : patch Linux kernel soon.

Data as of 12 Nov 2026, 19:32 UTC

CVSS 3.1 base score
7.8High
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.

Sources agree

CVSS scores by source
CNA (Linux)CVSS 3.17.8
CISA-ADPCVSS 3.17.8
Patch
Available – fixed in 5.15.0-1084.91~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1089.98~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1083.92~20.04.1 +64
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 27 Mar 2025

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponized: no evidence on record.

    No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq Mirage: no evidence on record.

    No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors

A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 12 Nov 2026.

What to do

Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.

Affected software

ProductAffectedFixed in
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinuxpkg:deb/ubuntu/linux?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.8.0-79.79
Fixed in
  • 6.8.0-79.79
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-awspkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.8.0-1036.38
Fixed in
  • 6.8.0-1036.38
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.8.0-1038.44
Fixed in
  • 6.8.0-1038.44
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-6.11pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-6.11?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.11.0-1015.15~24.04.1
Fixed in
  • 6.11.0-1015.15~24.04.1
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-nvidiapkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.8.0-1025.27
Fixed in
  • 6.8.0-1025.27
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threatsAffected
  • <6.8.0-1037.39
Fixed in
  • 6.8.0-1037.39

Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.

AI-suggested

A patch is available and included in multiple updated Linux kernel versions as listed in the vendor advisory. Users should apply the official kernel updates and reboot their systems to ensure the vulnerability is fully mitigated. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying the official fixes.

Description

CVE-2025-21887 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's overlay filesystem (ovl) component. The flaw occurs because a dput() call on an upper dentry was made before its last use, leading to a use-after-free condition. This issue was fixed by moving the dput() call to after the last access to prevent the vulnerability. The flaw was detected by KASAN and affects various Linux kernel versions prior to the fixed releases. The vulnerability has a high severity score and could allow an attacker with local privileges to compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

References

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