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CVE-2025-32438

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 0.15%

Last modified

CVE-2025-32438 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. make-initrd-ng is a tool for copying binaries and their dependencies. Local privilege escalation affecting all NixOS users. EPSS estimates a 0.15% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

make-initrd-ng is a tool for copying binaries and their dependencies. Local privilege escalation affecting all NixOS users. With systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable enabled (the default) a local user is able to create a program that will be executed by root during shutdown. Patches exist for NixOS 24.11 and 25.05 / unstable. As a workaround, set systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable = false;.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1
8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability
0.15%

4.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

References

Timeline

Published
Last Modified
Status
Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-32438?
make-initrd-ng is a tool for copying binaries and their dependencies. Local privilege escalation affecting all NixOS users. With systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable enabled (the default) a local user is able to create a program that will be executed by root during shutdown. Patches exist for NixOS 24.11 and 25.05 / unstable. As a workaround, set systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable = false;.
How severe is CVE-2025-32438?
CVE-2025-32438 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.15% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2025-32438?
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.

Are you affected by CVE-2025-32438?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST