CVE-2025-23138: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: watch_queue: fix pipe accounting mismatch Currently, watch_queue_set_size() modi...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: watch_queue: fix pipe accounting mismatch Currently, watch_queue_set_size() modifies the pipe buffers charged to user->pipe_bufs without updating the pipe->nr_accounted on the pipe itself, due to the if (!pipe_has_watch_queue()) test in pipe_resize_ring(). This means that when the pipe is ultimately freed, we decrement user->pipe_bufs by something other than what than we had charged to it, potentially leading to an underflow. This in turn can cause subsequent too_many_pipe_buffers_soft() tests to fail with -EPERM. To remedy this, explicitly account for the pipe usage in watch_queue_set_size() to match the number set via account_pipe_buffers() (It's unclear why watch_queue_set_size() does not update nr_accounted; it may be due to intentional overprovisioning in watch_queue_set_size()?)

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.16%

5.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.10.210, < 5.10.236
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.15.149, < 5.15.180
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.1.76, < 6.1.134
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.6.15, < 6.6.87
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.7.3, < 6.12.23
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.13, < 6.13.11
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.14, < 6.14.2
Debian	Debian Linux	11.0

References

Timeline

Published: Apr 16, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-23138?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: watch_queue: fix pipe accounting mismatch Currently, watch_queue_set_size() modifies the pipe buffers charged to user->pipe_bufs without updating the pipe->nr_accounted on the pipe itself, due to the if (!pipe_has_watch_queue()) test in pipe_resize_ring(). This means that when the pipe is ultimately freed, we decrement user->pipe_bufs by something other than what than we had charged to it, potentially leading to an underflow. This in turn can cause subsequent too_many_pipe_buffers_soft() tests to fail with -EPERM. To remedy this, explicitly account for the pipe usage in watch_queue_set_size() to match the number set via account_pipe_buffers() (It's unclear why watch_queue_set_size() does not update nr_accounted; it may be due to intentional overprovisioning in watch_queue_set_size()?)

How severe is CVE-2025-23138?

CVE-2025-23138 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.16% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-23138?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.