CVE-2025-22110 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's netfilter subsystem, specifically within the nfnetlink_queue (nfqnl) component. The issue arises from the improper initialization of a context pointer (ctx) in the function nfqnl_build_packet_message(). This pointer is intended to be initialized by the nfqnl_get_sk_secctx() function, but under certain conditions, it may be used before proper initialization. This can lead to a memory allocation error or undefined behavior due to the use of uninitialized memory. The vulnerability is addressed by initializing the lsmctx (Linux Security Module context) to a safe default value at the point of declaration, preventing the use of uninitialized memory. This fix aligns with a previous similar patch (commit 35fcac7a7c25) that addressed a comparable issue in the audit subsystem. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes, indicating it is present in certain development or stable branches prior to the patch. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (April 16, 2025). The vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score, and no direct evidence suggests exploitation requires user interaction or authentication. The flaw is a memory handling bug that could potentially lead to system instability or denial of service if exploited, but no direct indication of privilege escalation or remote code execution is provided in the available information.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-22110 primarily concerns systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with netfilter's nfnetlink_queue enabled. Netfilter is widely used for packet filtering, firewalling, and network address translation, making it a critical component in network security infrastructure. Exploitation could lead to memory corruption, causing kernel crashes or denial of service, which may disrupt critical services and network operations. Although no known exploits exist currently, the vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to destabilize systems or create conditions favorable for further attacks. Organizations relying heavily on Linux-based firewalls, routers, or network appliances are at increased risk. The impact is particularly relevant for sectors with stringent uptime and security requirements, such as finance, telecommunications, government, and critical infrastructure within Europe. Additionally, the vulnerability could affect cloud service providers and data centers operating Linux-based infrastructure, potentially impacting a broad range of European customers and services.

To mitigate CVE-2025-22110, European organizations should: 1) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that initialize the lsmctx safely, as soon as they become available from trusted sources or Linux distribution vendors. 2) Monitor kernel updates from their Linux distribution maintainers and prioritize updates for systems with netfilter and nfnetlink_queue enabled. 3) Audit and inventory Linux systems to identify those running affected kernel versions and assess exposure, especially network-facing devices and firewalls. 4) Implement network segmentation and strict access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. 5) Employ kernel hardening techniques and runtime protections such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and seccomp filters to reduce exploitation risk. 6) Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect abnormal kernel behavior or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Engage in vulnerability management processes that include testing patches in staging environments before production deployment to avoid service disruptions.