CVE-2025-38620: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: zloop: fix KASAN use-after-free of tag set When a zoned loop device, or zloop de...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: zloop: fix KASAN use-after-free of tag set When a zoned loop device, or zloop device, is removed, KASAN enabled kernel reports "BUG KASAN use-after-free" in blk_mq_free_tag_set(). The BUG happens because zloop_ctl_remove() calls put_disk(), which invokes zloop_free_disk(). The zloop_free_disk() frees the memory allocated for the zlo pointer. However, after the memory is freed, zloop_ctl_remove() calls blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set), which accesses the freed zlo. Hence the KASAN use-after-free. zloop_ctl_remove() put_disk(zlo->disk) put_device() kobject_put() ... zloop_free_disk() kvfree(zlo) blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set) To avoid the BUG, move the call to blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set) from zloop_ctl_remove() into zloop_free_disk(). This ensures that the tag_set is freed before the call to kvfree(zlo).

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

0.14%

3.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	6.16

References

Timeline

Published: Aug 22, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-38620?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: zloop: fix KASAN use-after-free of tag set When a zoned loop device, or zloop device, is removed, KASAN enabled kernel reports "BUG KASAN use-after-free" in blk_mq_free_tag_set(). The BUG happens because zloop_ctl_remove() calls put_disk(), which invokes zloop_free_disk(). The zloop_free_disk() frees the memory allocated for the zlo pointer. However, after the memory is freed, zloop_ctl_remove() calls blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set), which accesses the freed zlo. Hence the KASAN use-after-free. zloop_ctl_remove() put_disk(zlo->disk) put_device() kobject_put() ... zloop_free_disk() kvfree(zlo) blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set) To avoid the BUG, move the call to blk_mq_free_tag_set(&zlo->tag_set) from zloop_ctl_remove() into zloop_free_disk(). This ensures that the tag_set is freed before the call to kvfree(zlo).

How severe is CVE-2025-38620?

CVE-2025-38620 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.14% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-38620?

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.