CVE-2025-37770 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) AMD power management (pm) component. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of user-supplied speed values. The vulnerability allows a user to set an arbitrary speed value, and if this value exceeds UINT_MAX/8 (where UINT_MAX is the maximum value for an unsigned integer), it triggers a division by zero error. This occurs because the code does not properly check the speed parameter before performing division operations, leading to a potential runtime exception or kernel panic. The issue was discovered by the Linux Verification Center using static analysis tools (SVACE). The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel as indicated by the repeated commit hash references, and it was publicly disclosed on May 1, 2025. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability primarily impacts the AMD DRM driver, which is responsible for managing graphics hardware power states, and could be triggered by a local user with the ability to interact with the kernel's DRM subsystem. The root cause is a lack of input validation leading to an arithmetic error that can cause a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the kernel or causing instability. This vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution directly but can disrupt system availability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37770 could be significant in environments where Linux systems with AMD graphics hardware are deployed, especially in servers, workstations, or embedded systems relying on the affected DRM driver. The primary impact is on system availability due to potential kernel crashes triggered by the division by zero error. This could lead to denial of service conditions, interrupting business-critical applications, causing downtime, and potentially leading to data loss if systems are not properly backed up or if crashes occur during critical operations. Organizations using AMD GPUs in Linux-based infrastructure, such as research institutions, media companies, cloud providers, and enterprises with Linux desktops or servers, may experience operational disruptions. While the vulnerability requires local user interaction, it could be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access to the system to cause instability or disrupt services. Given the widespread use of Linux in European public sector, financial institutions, and technology companies, the risk of service disruption is non-trivial. However, since no remote exploitation or privilege escalation is indicated, the confidentiality and integrity of data are less likely to be directly impacted by this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-37770, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches as soon as they are available from trusted sources or distributions, ensuring the fix for the DRM AMD power management division by zero is included. 2) Restrict access to systems with AMD DRM drivers to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious local exploitation. 3) Implement strict user privilege management and monitoring to detect unusual attempts to manipulate DRM parameters or kernel interfaces. 4) Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and secure boot to reduce the attack surface. 5) Use system integrity monitoring tools to detect kernel crashes or unusual system behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) In environments where patching is delayed, consider disabling or limiting the use of the affected AMD DRM power management features if feasible, to reduce exposure. 7) Maintain regular backups and disaster recovery plans to minimize operational impact in case of system crashes. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling local user access, monitoring kernel stability, and managing the specific affected subsystem.