CVE-2025-37811 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the USB driver subsystem for the chipidea ci_hdrc_imx controller. The issue arises from improper handling of the 'usbmisc' device property, which is optional and can be NULL. The vulnerability is due to a missing NULL pointer check before dereferencing the usbmisc_data pointer. This can lead to a kernel NULL pointer dereference, causing a potential denial of service (system crash) or other undefined behavior. The flaw was discovered by the Linux Verification Center using the Svace static analysis tool and has been addressed by adding the necessary NULL check to prevent dereferencing a NULL pointer. The affected versions are identified by specific git commit hashes, indicating that this vulnerability impacts certain Linux kernel versions prior to the fix. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability is technical and low-level, affecting the USB subsystem on platforms using the chipidea ci_hdrc_imx controller, which is commonly found in embedded systems and certain ARM-based devices running Linux.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37811 depends largely on their use of Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the chipidea ci_hdrc_imx USB controller. The vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access or the ability to connect a malicious USB device to cause a kernel crash, resulting in denial of service. This could disrupt critical services, especially in industrial control systems, embedded devices, or IoT deployments common in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and telecommunications. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution directly, the resulting system instability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain. Organizations relying on embedded Linux devices in operational technology environments may face increased risk of downtime or operational disruption. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed proactively to maintain system stability and security.

To mitigate CVE-2025-37811, European organizations should: 1) Identify all Linux systems using the chipidea ci_hdrc_imx USB controller, particularly embedded and ARM-based devices. 2) Verify kernel versions against the affected commit hashes and apply the official Linux kernel patches that add the NULL pointer check to usbmisc handling. 3) For devices where kernel updates are not immediately feasible, implement strict USB device control policies, including disabling unused USB ports or enforcing USB device whitelisting to prevent connection of untrusted devices. 4) Monitor system logs for kernel crashes or USB subsystem errors that may indicate attempted exploitation. 5) Coordinate with device vendors to ensure firmware and kernel updates are available and applied promptly. 6) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows to ensure timely remediation.