CVE-2025-68288: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: storage: Fix memory leak in USB bulk transport A kernel memory leak was ide...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: storage: Fix memory leak in USB bulk transport A kernel memory leak was identified by the 'ioctl_sg01' test from Linux Test Project (LTP). The following bytes were mainly observed: 0x53425355. When USB storage devices incorrectly skip the data phase with status data, the code extracts/validates the CSW from the sg buffer, but fails to clear it afterwards. This leaves status protocol data in srb's transfer buffer, such as the US_BULK_CS_SIGN 'USBS' signature observed here. Thus, this can lead to USB protocols leaks to user space through SCSI generic (/dev/sg*) interfaces, such as the one seen here when the LTP test requested 512 KiB. Fix the leak by zeroing the CSW data in srb's transfer buffer immediately after the validation of devices that skip data phase. Note: Differently from CVE-2018-1000204, which fixed a big leak by zero- ing pages at allocation time, this leak occurs after allocation, when USB protocol data is written to already-allocated sg pages.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.17%

6.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

References

Timeline

Published: Dec 16, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-68288?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: storage: Fix memory leak in USB bulk transport A kernel memory leak was identified by the 'ioctl_sg01' test from Linux Test Project (LTP). The following bytes were mainly observed: 0x53425355. When USB storage devices incorrectly skip the data phase with status data, the code extracts/validates the CSW from the sg buffer, but fails to clear it afterwards. This leaves status protocol data in srb's transfer buffer, such as the US_BULK_CS_SIGN 'USBS' signature observed here. Thus, this can lead to USB protocols leaks to user space through SCSI generic (/dev/sg*) interfaces, such as the one seen here when the LTP test requested 512 KiB. Fix the leak by zeroing the CSW data in srb's transfer buffer immediately after the validation of devices that skip data phase. Note: Differently from CVE-2018-1000204, which fixed a big leak by zero- ing pages at allocation time, this leak occurs after allocation, when USB protocol data is written to already-allocated sg pages.

How severe is CVE-2025-68288?

Severity scoring for CVE-2025-68288 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-68288?

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.