CVE-2025-4382 is a vulnerability in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 systems that use LUKS disk encryption combined with GRUB bootloader configured for TPM-based automatic disk decryption. Normally, TPM stores the decryption key securely, and GRUB uses it to decrypt the disk at boot without user input. However, if an attacker with physical access corrupts the filesystem superblock, GRUB cannot locate a valid filesystem and switches to rescue mode. Despite this failure, the disk remains decrypted because the decryption key is already loaded into system memory. This state allows the attacker to access unencrypted data directly from memory or the disk without further authentication, thus bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by exposing sensitive data and also raises integrity concerns since filesystem corruption triggers this state. Exploitation requires physical access and the ability to corrupt the filesystem, which may be achieved via direct hardware manipulation or malicious software with elevated privileges. The CVSS 3.1 score is 5.9 (medium severity), reflecting the physical access requirement and the significant confidentiality and integrity impact. No known exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability highlights risks in TPM-based auto-decryption implementations. The lack of authentication in rescue mode is the core issue, allowing unauthorized data access once triggered.

For European organizations, this vulnerability threatens the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data stored on LUKS-encrypted disks with TPM-based auto-decryption. Organizations relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure could face data breaches if attackers gain physical access to servers or workstations. The ability to bypass authentication and access decrypted data undermines trust in TPM-based security mechanisms. Data integrity is also at risk because filesystem corruption is a prerequisite for exploitation, potentially causing system instability or data loss. The physical access requirement limits remote exploitation but elevates the importance of physical security controls. Organizations with distributed or less physically secure environments, such as branch offices or data centers with shared access, are particularly vulnerable. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but non-negligible risk, especially in high-value environments where data confidentiality is paramount.

1. Enforce strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to systems using TPM-based auto-decryption. 2. Regularly monitor and verify filesystem integrity using automated tools to detect and remediate superblock corruption early. 3. Disable TPM-based auto-decryption where possible, requiring manual authentication at boot to prevent automatic key loading into memory. 4. Apply any patches or updates from Red Hat addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 5. Implement full disk encryption solutions that do not rely solely on TPM auto-decryption or combine TPM with additional authentication factors. 6. Use hardware security modules (HSMs) or secure enclave technologies that isolate keys from system memory. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on physical attack vectors and bootloader configurations. 8. Educate system administrators about the risks of filesystem corruption and the importance of secure boot configurations. 9. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can alert on unexpected bootloader behavior or rescue mode entry.