CVE-2025-23160 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically affecting the MediaTek video codec (vcodec) driver component that interacts with the system companion processor (SCP) firmware initialization process. The vulnerability arises from a resource leak related to the scp device during firmware initialization. In detail, the mtk_scp structure, which represents the SCP device context, must be explicitly freed if the allocation of the firmware structure fails. Failure to do so results in a resource leak, which could lead to degraded system performance or potential denial of service due to exhaustion of kernel resources. This issue is rooted in improper error handling within the MediaTek vcodec driver code path during the firmware initialization phase. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by specific commit hashes, indicating it is present in certain kernel builds that include the vulnerable MediaTek vcodec driver implementation. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability is primarily a stability and resource management issue rather than a direct code execution or privilege escalation flaw. However, resource leaks in kernel space can sometimes be leveraged in complex attack chains or cause system instability, especially on devices relying heavily on MediaTek SoCs with SCP firmware components.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-23160 depends largely on their use of Linux-based systems running on MediaTek hardware, particularly devices with the SCP architecture such as embedded systems, IoT devices, or specialized industrial equipment. While the vulnerability itself is a resource leak and does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, persistent leaks can degrade system availability and reliability, potentially causing device crashes or denial of service. This can be critical in environments where uptime and system stability are paramount, such as telecommunications infrastructure, industrial control systems, or critical embedded devices used in healthcare or transportation sectors. Additionally, organizations deploying Linux on MediaTek-powered edge devices or gateways may experience operational disruptions if the vulnerability is triggered repeatedly. Although no active exploitation is known, the presence of this flaw increases the attack surface and could be chained with other vulnerabilities to escalate impact. Therefore, European entities relying on MediaTek Linux platforms should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk to system stability and availability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-23160, organizations should apply the official Linux kernel patches that explicitly free the mtk_scp structure upon firmware allocation failure. Since the vulnerability is in the MediaTek vcodec driver, updating to the latest stable Linux kernel version that includes this fix is the most effective measure. For embedded or custom Linux distributions, vendors should backport the patch to their kernel versions and ensure firmware initialization error paths correctly release allocated resources. Additionally, organizations should audit their device inventories to identify systems running MediaTek SoCs with SCP firmware and verify kernel versions. Monitoring system logs for repeated firmware initialization failures or resource exhaustion symptoms can help detect potential exploitation attempts or stability issues. Where possible, implement kernel-level resource monitoring and automated remediation to prevent resource leaks from impacting system availability. Finally, coordinate with device manufacturers and Linux distribution maintainers to ensure timely patch deployment and firmware updates.