CVE-2025-22067 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) driver for Cadence Marvell XSPI controllers. The issue arises in the function cdns_mrvl_xspi_setup_clock(), which is responsible for configuring the clock settings for the SPI controller. The vulnerability is due to an out-of-bounds array access when the requested clock value (requested_clk) exceeds 128. In this scenario, the function iterates over the entire cdns_mrvl_xspi_clk_div_list array without an appropriate boundary check, causing the loop index 'i' to exceed the array bounds. This out-of-bounds access can lead to undefined behavior such as memory corruption or kernel instability. The fix implemented clamps the clock frequency to a minimum of 6.25 MHz and ensures the loop terminates correctly at the last valid array entry, preventing the out-of-bounds access. The vulnerability was detected with the help of the Undefined Behavior Sanitizer (UBSAN) during kernel compilation, which flagged an unexpected end of the .text section in the affected function. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability represents a potential risk in systems running affected Linux kernel versions that utilize the Cadence Marvell XSPI driver. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating the vulnerability is present in certain kernel builds prior to the patch. This vulnerability is primarily a memory safety issue within kernel space, which could be leveraged to cause denial of service or potentially escalate privileges if exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-22067 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems using the Cadence Marvell XSPI controller driver. This vulnerability could lead to kernel crashes or system instability, resulting in denial of service conditions. In critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, or embedded systems where SPI controllers are common, this could disrupt operations or degrade service availability. Although no direct evidence of exploitation exists, the potential for memory corruption in kernel space raises concerns about possible privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations relying on embedded Linux devices, IoT gateways, or specialized hardware running affected kernels may face increased risk. The confidentiality impact is limited unless combined with other exploits, but integrity and availability could be significantly affected. Given the widespread use of Linux across European enterprises and public sector entities, especially in industrial and network equipment, unpatched systems could be vulnerable to targeted attacks or accidental failures triggered by malformed clock requests. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the patch that fixes CVE-2025-22067. Since the vulnerability is in a specific SPI driver, organizations should audit their hardware inventory to identify devices using Cadence Marvell XSPI controllers and verify the kernel versions running on those devices. For embedded systems or devices where kernel updates are not straightforward, consider applying vendor-provided patches or firmware updates. Additionally, implement strict input validation and access controls to limit which processes or users can interact with SPI device configurations, reducing the risk of maliciously crafted clock requests. Monitoring kernel logs for unusual warnings or crashes related to the SPI driver can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. In environments where kernel updates are delayed, consider isolating affected devices from critical networks or restricting access to trusted administrators only. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of Linux kernel versions and apply security patches as part of regular maintenance cycles to minimize exposure to similar vulnerabilities.