CVE-2025-40050: Linux kernel · bpf: Skip scalar adjustment for BPF_NEG if dst is a pointer
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.4 High · fixed in 6.17.0-1007.7~24.04.1 : patch Linux kernel soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:05 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 12% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 6.17.0-1007.7~24.04.1, 6.17.0-1008.8~24.04.1, 6.17.0-1008.8 +6
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:NExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 28 Oct 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Patches and advisories
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 25.10linuxpkg:deb/ubuntu/linux?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 25.10linux-awspkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 25.10linux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 25.10linux-azure-fdepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-fde?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 25.10linux-oraclepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-oracle?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A patch is available and should be applied by updating to the fixed Linux kernel versions (6.17.0-14.14 and later, or the specific patched versions listed in the advisory). After updating, a system reboot is required to apply changes. Due to an ABI change, all third-party kernel modules must be recompiled and reinstalled. Standard system upgrades will typically handle this automatically unless kernel metapackages have been manually removed. Users should follow vendor instructions for updating and recompiling kernel modules.
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's BPF subsystem was resolved by skipping scalar adjustment for BPF_NEG operations when the destination register holds a pointer. The issue involved unnecessary and potentially incorrect scalar adjustments in the verifier logic. This flaw has been fixed in Linux kernel versions 6.17.0 and later. The vulnerability has a high severity rating and requires system updates and kernel module recompilation due to ABI changes.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2025-40050 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-40050 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/34904582b502a86fdb4d7984b12cacd2faabbe0d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/34904582b502a86fdb4d7984b12cacd2faabbe0d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/b9ef4963227246b9222e1559ddeec8e7af63e6c6 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8029-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8030-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8029-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8048-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8029-3 (opens in a new tab)