CVE-2025-68780 Details
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sched/deadline: only set free_cpus for online runqueues Commit 16b269436b72 ("sched/deadline: Modify cpudl::free_cpus to reflect rd->online") introduced the cpudl_set/clear_freecpu functions to allow the cpu_dl::free_cpus mask to be manipulated by the deadline scheduler class rq_on/offline callbacks so the mask would also reflect this state. Commit 9659e1eeee28 ("sched/deadline: Remove cpu_active_mask from cpudl_find()") removed the check of the cpu_active_mask to save some processing on the premise that the cpudl::free_cpus mask already reflected the runqueue online state. Unfortunately, there are cases where it is possible for the cpudl_clear function to set the free_cpus bit for a CPU when the deadline runqueue is offline. When this occurs while a CPU is connected to the default root domain the flag may retain the bad state after the CPU has been unplugged. Later, a different CPU that is transitioning through the default root domain may push a deadline task to the powered down CPU when cpudl_find sees its free_cpus bit is set. If this happens the task will not have the opportunity to run. One example is outlined here: https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/[email protected] Another occurs when the last deadline task is migrated from a CPU that has an offlined runqueue. The dequeue_task member of the deadline scheduler class will eventually call cpudl_clear and set the free_cpus bit for the CPU. This commit modifies the cpudl_clear function to be aware of the online state of the deadline runqueue so that the free_cpus mask can be updated appropriately. It is no longer necessary to manage the mask outside of the cpudl_set/clear functions so the cpudl_set/clear_freecpu functions are removed. In addition, since the free_cpus mask is now only updated under the cpudl lock the code was changed to use the non-atomic __cpumask functions.
A vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's deadline scheduling that improperly manages the free CPU mask for CPUs with offline runqueues. This issue can cause deadline tasks to be incorrectly scheduled on powered-down CPUs, preventing them from running. The vulnerability arises from changes made in previous commits that removed essential checks and introduced functions to manipulate the free CPU mask based on the runqueue's online state. Exploitation can occur when a CPU is disconnected from the default root domain after being offlined, or when tasks are migrated from an offline CPU, leaving the free CPU bit set erroneously.
The vulnerability has been addressed in the Linux kernel. Users should upgrade to the latest version where this issue has been fixed.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Jan 13, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/382748c05e58a9f1935f5a653c352422375566ea | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3ed049fbfb4d75b4e0b8ab54c934f485129d5dc8 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9019e399684e3cc68c4a3f050e268f74d69c1317 | kernel.org | |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/91e448e69aca4bb0ba2e998eb3e555644db7322b | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dbc61834b0412435df21c71410562d933e4eba49 | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fb36846cbcc936954f2ad2bffdff13d16c0be08a | kernel.org | Source CodeVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
No weakness enumeration is available for this CVE.
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| Linux kernel | All versions |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Jan 19, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Jan 13, 2026 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |
Volerion