CVE-2025-21853 Details
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: avoid holding freeze_mutex during mmap operation We use map->freeze_mutex to prevent races between map_freeze() and memory mapping BPF map contents with writable permissions. The way we naively do this means we'll hold freeze_mutex for entire duration of all the mm and VMA manipulations, which is completely unnecessary. This can potentially also lead to deadlocks, as reported by syzbot in [0]. So, instead, hold freeze_mutex only during writeability checks, bump (proactively) "write active" count for the map, unlock the mutex and proceed with mmap logic. And only if something went wrong during mmap logic, then undo that "write active" counter increment. [0] https://lore.kernel.org/bpf/[email protected]/
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) implementation has been addressed. The issue arose from holding the freeze_mutex during memory mapping operations of BPF map contents with writable permissions. This approach, while intended to prevent races between freezing and mapping operations, was overly broad and could lead to deadlocks. The vulnerability has been resolved by modifying the mutex handling: it is now held only during writeability checks, allowing the memory mapping process to proceed without unnecessary delays. If an error occurs during the mapping, the 'write active' counter is decremented, ensuring proper synchronization without the risk of deadlock.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
No SSVC data is available for this CVE.
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Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NVD-CWE-noinfo | Insufficient Information to Classify Weakness | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| linux linux kernel | >= 5.5, < 6.6.80 >= 6.7, < 6.12.17 >= 6.13, < 6.13.5 6.14 rc1 6.14 rc2 6.14 rc3 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
7 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | CVE Modified | siemens-SADP |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Nov 3, 2025 | CVE Modified | CVE |
| May 2, 2025 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Apr 25, 2025 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Mar 12, 2025 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |