CVE-2025-37980 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel related to the block subsystem, specifically in the function blk_register_queue(). The issue arises when the registration of a block queue fails after the successful execution of blk_mq_sysfs_register(), but before the function completes. In this error path, the kernel fails to properly clean up resources allocated by blk_mq_sysfs_register(), as it omits the necessary call to blk_mq_sysfs_unregister(). This omission leads to a resource leak, specifically a memory leak, within the kernel's block subsystem. The vulnerability does not directly allow for code execution or privilege escalation but can cause resource exhaustion over time if the error path is triggered repeatedly. The leak occurs in kernel space, affecting the stability and reliability of the system. Since the vulnerability is in the Linux kernel, it potentially impacts all Linux distributions that include the affected kernel versions. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash (320ae51feed5c2f13664aa05a76bec198967e04d), indicating a particular kernel revision. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in May 2025, with no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no patch links are provided in the data, but the fix involves adding the missing blk_mq_sysfs_unregister() call to ensure proper resource cleanup in the error path.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37980 primarily concerns system stability and reliability rather than direct compromise of confidentiality or integrity. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernels may experience gradual memory leaks in the block subsystem under specific error conditions, potentially leading to degraded performance or system crashes if the leak accumulates. This can affect critical infrastructure, data centers, cloud service providers, and enterprises relying on Linux servers for storage management. In environments with high I/O workloads or frequent device queue registration/unregistration, the risk of triggering the leak increases. While the vulnerability does not enable direct remote code execution or privilege escalation, the resulting denial of service through resource exhaustion could disrupt business operations, especially in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing where Linux servers are prevalent. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental triggering of the leak. European organizations with large-scale Linux deployments should be aware of this vulnerability to maintain system uptime and avoid unexpected outages.

To mitigate CVE-2025-37980, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the fix for this vulnerability. Since the issue is a resource leak in the kernel's block subsystem, applying the official patch that adds the missing blk_mq_sysfs_unregister() call in the error path is essential. Organizations should monitor kernel updates from their Linux distribution vendors and apply security patches promptly. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, administrators can implement enhanced monitoring of kernel memory usage and block subsystem performance metrics to detect abnormal resource consumption early. Additionally, limiting the frequency of block queue registration/unregistration operations through workload management or configuration adjustments may reduce the likelihood of triggering the leak. In virtualized or containerized environments, isolating critical workloads and employing kernel live patching solutions, if supported, can minimize downtime while applying fixes. Finally, maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures ensures resilience against potential service disruptions caused by this vulnerability.