CVE-2025-37982 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically affecting the wireless driver module wl1251, which is responsible for managing certain Wi-Fi chipsets. The issue arises in the function wl1251_tx_work, where a memory leak occurs due to improper handling of socket buffers (skb) dequeued from the transmission queue (tx_queue). When the function wl1251_ps_elp_wakeup fails with a -ETIMEDOUT error, the skb that was dequeued is lost instead of being re-queued back to tx_queue. This results in a memory leak as the skb is not freed or reused properly. The vulnerability does not appear to allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can degrade system performance or stability by exhausting kernel memory resources over time, especially under conditions where the wakeup function frequently times out. The patch fixes this by ensuring that the skb is re-queued back to tx_queue upon failure, preventing the leak. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash, indicating this is a recent and targeted fix in the Linux kernel source.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-37982 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable wl1251 wireless driver, which is common in embedded devices, IoT hardware, and some laptops using specific Wi-Fi chipsets. The memory leak could lead to gradual resource exhaustion, causing degraded network performance, system instability, or crashes, potentially disrupting business operations reliant on wireless connectivity. This is particularly critical for sectors with high dependence on wireless communications such as telecommunications, manufacturing (Industry 4.0), healthcare, and public services. While the vulnerability does not directly enable remote code execution or data breaches, the denial of service through resource exhaustion can be exploited in targeted attacks or cause unplanned downtime. European organizations with large-scale deployments of Linux-based wireless infrastructure or embedded devices should be aware of this risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation, especially as attackers often target kernel vulnerabilities once patches are released.

Organizations should promptly apply the Linux kernel patch that addresses CVE-2025-37982, ensuring their systems run updated kernel versions containing the fix. For embedded and IoT devices, coordinate with hardware vendors to obtain firmware updates incorporating the patched kernel. Network administrators should monitor wireless device logs for frequent -ETIMEDOUT errors in wl1251 driver operations, which may indicate attempts to trigger the vulnerability or underlying hardware issues. Implementing resource monitoring on critical systems can help detect abnormal memory usage patterns indicative of leaks. Where possible, isolate vulnerable devices on segmented networks to limit potential impact. Additionally, consider deploying kernel live patching solutions to reduce downtime during updates. Finally, maintain an inventory of devices using the wl1251 driver to prioritize patching and risk assessment.