Use After Free in Linux

CVE-2025-38618

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vsock: Do not allow binding to VMADDR_PORT_ANY It is possible for a vsock to autobind to VMADDR_PORT_ANY. This can cause a use-after-free when a connection is made to the bound socket. The socket returned by accept() also has port VMADDR_PORT_ANY but is not on the list of unbound sockets. Binding it will result in an extra refcount decrement similar to the one fixed in fcdd2242c023 (vsock: Keep the binding until socket destruction). Modify the check in __vsock_bind_connectible() to also prevent binding to VMADDR_PORT_ANY.

Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free

EPSS: 0.002 (6.0th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

Public proof-of-concept exploits

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38618?
CVE-2025-38618 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2025-08-22.
How severe is CVE-2025-38618?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.
Is CVE-2025-38618 known to be exploited?
2 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.