CVE-2025-22007 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically within the function chan_alloc_skb_cb(). This function is responsible for allocating socket buffers (sk_buff) for Bluetooth communication channels. The vulnerability arises because chan_alloc_skb_cb() incorrectly returns NULL instead of an error pointer upon failure. This improper error handling leads to a NULL pointer dereference when the calling code attempts to use the returned pointer without verifying it properly. A NULL pointer dereference in kernel space typically results in a kernel panic or system crash, causing a denial of service (DoS). Since this flaw is located in the Linux kernel, it affects all Linux distributions running vulnerable kernel versions that include the affected Bluetooth code. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash (6b8d4a6a03144c5996f98db7f8256267b0d72a3a), indicating that multiple versions sharing this code are impacted. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication to be triggered; any process or user capable of invoking Bluetooth operations that lead to chan_alloc_skb_cb() execution could potentially cause a system crash. However, there is no evidence of known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability primarily impacts system availability by enabling denial of service through kernel crashes, but it does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity. The Linux kernel maintainers have resolved the issue by correcting the error return behavior in chan_alloc_skb_cb(), ensuring it returns proper error pointers instead of NULL, thus preventing the NULL dereference.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-22007 centers on system availability and operational continuity. Linux is widely deployed across European enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure, often powering servers, network devices, and embedded systems. A successful exploitation causing kernel crashes could disrupt services, leading to downtime, loss of productivity, and potential cascading effects in environments relying on Bluetooth-enabled Linux systems. This is particularly relevant for sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, where Linux-based devices with Bluetooth capabilities are common. Although the vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or data compromise directly, denial of service attacks can be leveraged as part of multi-stage intrusion attempts or to distract security teams during other malicious activities. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to accidental or malicious triggering of the flaw. Organizations with Bluetooth-dependent Linux systems should consider the risk of service interruptions and potential operational impacts, especially in environments where high availability is critical.

To mitigate CVE-2025-22007, European organizations should prioritize updating Linux kernel versions to those containing the patch that corrects the chan_alloc_skb_cb() error handling. Since the vulnerability is in the kernel Bluetooth subsystem, organizations should: 1) Identify all Linux systems with Bluetooth enabled, including servers, workstations, embedded devices, and IoT endpoints. 2) Apply vendor-provided kernel updates or patches that address this specific issue as soon as they become available. 3) If immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on critical systems where it is not essential, reducing the attack surface. 4) Implement monitoring for unusual kernel crashes or Bluetooth subsystem errors that could indicate attempted exploitation or triggering of this vulnerability. 5) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response plans to ensure timely detection and remediation. 6) Engage with Linux distribution vendors and maintain awareness of updates related to this CVE to ensure ongoing protection. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on Bluetooth-specific controls and operational monitoring tailored to the nature of the vulnerability.