CVE-2025-37872 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the txgbe network driver. The issue arises in the txgbe_probe() function during the initialization process of the network device. When txgbe_sw_init() is invoked, it allocates memory for wx->rss_key via wx_init_rss_key(). However, if an error occurs after this allocation, the allocated memory for rss_key is not properly freed in the error handling paths, leading to a memory leak. Furthermore, the vulnerability includes a logic flaw in the error handling sequence: if txgbe_sw_init() fails, the execution jumps to a label that can cause a double free of rss_key when the mac_table allocation subsequently fails in wx_sw_init(). This double free can lead to undefined behavior, potentially causing kernel crashes or memory corruption. The patch for this vulnerability involves ensuring that rss_key is freed appropriately in all error paths after allocation and adjusting the control flow to prevent double free scenarios. This vulnerability is rooted in improper resource management and error handling in the txgbe driver, which is responsible for Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapters. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily affects systems running Linux kernels that include the txgbe driver, commonly found in servers and network infrastructure utilizing Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapters. The memory leak itself can degrade system performance over time, especially in high-throughput environments, potentially leading to resource exhaustion. More critically, the double free condition can cause kernel instability, crashes, or unpredictable behavior, which may result in denial of service (DoS) conditions. In environments where uptime and network reliability are critical—such as financial institutions, telecommunications, cloud service providers, and critical infrastructure—this vulnerability could disrupt operations. Although there is no evidence of remote code execution or privilege escalation directly linked to this flaw, kernel crashes can indirectly impact confidentiality and integrity by causing system restarts or failures during sensitive operations. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Linux kernels means that attackers could develop exploits in the future, especially targeting data centers and enterprise networks prevalent in Europe.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions where this vulnerability is patched. Since the issue is in the txgbe driver, organizations should audit their hardware inventory to identify systems using Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapters that rely on this driver. For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, consider temporarily disabling or unloading the txgbe driver if network architecture allows, or isolating affected systems from critical network segments to reduce exposure. Monitoring system logs for kernel errors or crashes related to txgbe can help detect exploitation attempts or instability. Additionally, implementing kernel live patching solutions can minimize downtime during patch deployment. Network segmentation and strict access controls can limit the ability of attackers to exploit this vulnerability remotely. Finally, maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential denial of service incidents caused by this vulnerability.