CVE-2025-37928 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the device mapper buffer I/O (dm-bufio) subsystem. The issue arises from improper handling of scheduling in atomic contexts. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel configuration enables CONFIG_DEBUG_ATOMIC_SLEEP and try_verify_in_tasklet, leading to a kernel BUG triggered by a sleeping function being called from an invalid context. The root cause is that dm_bufio_lock invokes spin_lock_bh while try_verify_in_tasklet is enabled, and subsequently, the __scan function is called in an atomic context where sleeping is disallowed. This results in kernel panics or oops errors, as evidenced by the detailed kernel trace logs showing preemption disabled and scheduling attempts in atomic context. The problem is particularly evident in the shrink_work function within the dm_bufio_cache workqueue. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 7cd326747f46ffe1c7bff5682e97dfbcb98990ec and potentially others with similar dm-bufio implementations. While no CVSS score has been assigned, the vulnerability can cause system instability or denial of service due to kernel crashes. It does not appear to allow privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution directly but can disrupt system availability. The vulnerability is relevant to systems running Linux kernels with dm-bufio enabled, especially those with debugging features for atomic sleep enabled, which may be more common in development or specialized environments. The issue was reported on a Qualcomm-based Android device, indicating that embedded and mobile Linux systems could also be impacted. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-37928 is the potential for denial of service through kernel crashes on affected Linux systems. This can disrupt critical infrastructure, servers, and embedded devices relying on the Linux kernel with dm-bufio enabled. Organizations using Linux-based servers for cloud services, telecommunications, or industrial control systems may experience outages or degraded performance. The vulnerability could affect data centers, telecom providers, and enterprises running Linux kernels with debugging features enabled. Although the vulnerability does not directly lead to data breaches or privilege escalation, the resulting instability can cause service interruptions, impacting business continuity and operational reliability. Embedded Linux devices, including IoT and mobile devices used in European industries, may also be vulnerable, potentially affecting supply chains and operational technology environments. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in kernel code means that attackers could develop denial-of-service attacks targeting affected systems. Given the widespread use of Linux in Europe across various sectors, the impact could be significant if unpatched systems are exploited or encounter this bug during normal operation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-37928, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address the dm-bufio scheduling issue as soon as they become available from trusted sources or distributions. 2) Disable CONFIG_DEBUG_ATOMIC_SLEEP and try_verify_in_tasklet kernel options in production environments unless explicitly required for debugging, as these options contribute to triggering the vulnerability. 3) Audit and monitor systems for kernel oops or BUG messages related to dm-bufio or scheduling anomalies to detect potential exploitation or system instability early. 4) For embedded and mobile Linux devices, coordinate with vendors to ensure firmware updates include the fix. 5) Implement robust kernel crash recovery mechanisms and maintain regular backups to minimize downtime in case of crashes. 6) Limit exposure of critical Linux systems by restricting access and employing network segmentation to reduce the attack surface. 7) Conduct thorough testing of kernel updates in staging environments to ensure stability before deployment in production. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on kernel configuration management, proactive monitoring, and vendor coordination specific to this vulnerability.