CVE-2025-37826 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's SCSI UFS (Universal Flash Storage) core driver component. The issue arises from the lack of a NULL pointer check in the function ufshcd_mcq_compl_pending_transfer(), which handles completion of pending transfers in the multi-channel queue (MCQ) subsystem of the UFS host controller driver. Specifically, the function ufshcd_mcq_req_to_hwq() can return a NULL pointer for the hardware queue (hwq), but this return value was not being checked before dereferencing in ufshcd_mcq_compl_pending_transfer(). This can lead to a NULL pointer dereference, causing a kernel crash (denial of service) or potentially enabling further exploitation depending on the kernel's state and memory layout. The fix involves adding a NULL check for the hwq pointer, similar to a prior fix addressing a race condition in ufshcd_abort_one. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash ab248643d3d68b30f95ee9c238a5a20a06891204 and presumably related versions. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication (May 8, 2025). The vulnerability is technical and low-level, involving kernel driver code that manages UFS storage devices, which are common in embedded systems and some server environments. Exploitation would require local access or the ability to trigger specific SCSI UFS commands that cause the NULL pointer dereference. While the primary impact is denial of service via kernel crash, the possibility of privilege escalation or other impacts cannot be fully excluded without further analysis.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37826 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with affected UFS driver versions. Organizations using Linux-based servers, embedded devices, or specialized hardware that rely on UFS storage could experience system instability or crashes if the vulnerability is triggered. This could lead to service interruptions, data unavailability, or operational disruptions, particularly in sectors relying on high availability such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Although no known exploits exist currently, the vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers with local access or through compromised applications that interact with UFS devices to cause denial of service. The risk of privilege escalation or data corruption is lower but cannot be completely ruled out without further exploit analysis. European organizations with stringent uptime requirements and those operating in regulated industries should prioritize patching to maintain system integrity and availability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-37826, organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that include the fix adding the NULL pointer check in ufshcd_mcq_compl_pending_transfer(). This is the definitive solution to prevent the vulnerability. 2) Identify and inventory all systems using affected Linux kernel versions with UFS storage drivers, including embedded devices and specialized hardware, to prioritize patch deployment. 3) Where immediate patching is not feasible, implement monitoring for kernel crashes or unusual system behavior related to SCSI UFS operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. 4) Restrict local access to trusted users and enforce strict access controls to minimize the risk of exploitation requiring local interaction. 5) For critical systems, consider isolating or limiting the use of UFS devices if possible until patches are applied. 6) Maintain updated backups and ensure recovery procedures are tested to reduce downtime in case of denial of service incidents. 7) Stay informed about any emerging exploit reports or additional mitigations from Linux kernel maintainers or security advisories.