CVE-2025-37778: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: Fix dangling pointer in krb_authenticate krb_authenticate frees sess->use...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: Fix dangling pointer in krb_authenticate krb_authenticate frees sess->user and does not set the pointer to NULL. It calls ksmbd_krb5_authenticate to reinitialise sess->user but that function may return without doing so. If that happens then smb2_sess_setup, which calls krb_authenticate, will be accessing free'd memory when it later uses sess->user.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.47%

37.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.15, < 6.1.135	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.2, < 6.6.88	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.7, < 6.12.25	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.13, < 6.14.4	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	6.15	Rc1
Debian	Debian Linux	11.0	—

References

Timeline

Published: May 1, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-37778?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: Fix dangling pointer in krb_authenticate krb_authenticate frees sess->user and does not set the pointer to NULL. It calls ksmbd_krb5_authenticate to reinitialise sess->user but that function may return without doing so. If that happens then smb2_sess_setup, which calls krb_authenticate, will be accessing free'd memory when it later uses sess->user.

How severe is CVE-2025-37778?

CVE-2025-37778 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.47% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-37778?

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.