CVE-2025-37862 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem, specifically within the pidff driver responsible for handling force feedback devices. The issue arises from a null pointer dereference in the function pidff_find_fields, which occurs when the function attempts to locate a report that is not implemented on the device. This flaw affects both optional and required reports. Additionally, a similar logic flaw exists in pidff_find_special_field, which could potentially reintroduce the null pointer dereference if future code changes alter the current error handling in pidff_init_fields. The vulnerability can cause the kernel to dereference a null pointer, leading to a denial of service (DoS) via a kernel crash or system instability. The root cause is improper validation and handling of device reports in the HID driver code. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability could be triggered by interacting with specially crafted or malfunctioning HID devices that use the pidff driver. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash, indicating that this vulnerability is present in certain Linux kernel builds prior to the patch. The issue was publicly disclosed on May 9, 2025, with a bug report available on the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML). No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no official patches or exploit code are currently linked.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with the pidff HID driver enabled. The impact is mainly a denial of service condition caused by kernel crashes due to null pointer dereferences. This could disrupt critical services, especially in environments relying on Linux-based infrastructure for servers, embedded systems, or workstations that interface with HID devices supporting force feedback. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and research institutions using specialized input devices could be affected if these devices trigger the flaw. While the vulnerability does not directly lead to privilege escalation or data leakage, the resulting system instability could cause operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential safety concerns in industrial control systems. Since no known exploits exist yet, the immediate risk is moderate, but the potential for future exploitation remains if attackers develop methods to trigger the flaw remotely or via user interaction. Organizations with Linux-based endpoint devices or servers should be aware of this vulnerability and monitor for updates to mitigate potential disruptions.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory Linux systems running kernel versions that include the vulnerable pidff driver. 2) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates or patches as soon as they become available from trusted sources or Linux distribution maintainers to ensure the null pointer dereference is fixed. 3) If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling or unloading the pidff driver module on systems where force feedback HID devices are not required, reducing the attack surface. 4) Implement strict device control policies to limit the connection of untrusted or unknown HID devices, especially those capable of force feedback, to critical systems. 5) Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of null pointer dereferences or unexpected reboots that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) Engage with Linux vendor security advisories and subscribe to relevant mailing lists to stay informed about patches and exploit developments. 7) For environments using specialized HID devices, coordinate with device vendors to verify compatibility with patched kernel versions and ensure device firmware is up to date.