Critical Linux Kernel Security Update: Patch 17 High-Risk Vulnerabilities (CVE-2025 Series)

 

Urgent SUSE Linux kernel update patches 17 critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025 series), including ARM64 cache overflows & network stack exploits. Learn patch instructions for SUSE Micro 5.1/5.2 and Rancher deployments to prevent privilege escalation and memory corruption attacks.

Last Updated: May 16, 2025 | Severity: Important (CVSS 5.5–8.5)

SUSE has released an urgent security patch addressing 17 critical vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel, including high-severity memory corruption, privilege escalation, and denial-of-service flaws. Enterprises using SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.1/5.2 or Rancher deployments must apply this update immediately to mitigate risks like:

• CVE-2025-21785 (CVSS 8.5): ARM64 cache overflow allowing arbitrary code execution

• CVE-2025-22020 (CVSS 7.8): Slab-use-after-free in USB memstick drivers

• CVE-2025-22055 (CVSS 7.1): Integer overflow in Geneve network protocols

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Key Security Fixes and Exploit Details

This update resolves critical issues affecting:

1. Kernel Memory Management

   • UAF (Use-After-Free) vulnerabilities in padata and vrf subsystems (CVE-2025-21726, CVE-2025-21791)

   • Heap corruption in ATM network drivers (CVE-2025-22004)

2. Hardware-Specific Threats

   • ARM64 cacheinfo array boundary bypass (CVE-2025-21785)

   • RTSx USB driver memory leaks (CVE-2025-22020)

3. Network Stack Risks

   • Geneve protocol integer overflow (CVE-2025-22055)

Affected Products:

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.1/5.2

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro for Rancher 5.2

Patch Instructions

bash

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# For SUSE Micro 5.1:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SUSE-MicroOS-5.1-2025-1574=1

# For SUSE Micro 5.2/Rancher:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SUSE-MicroOS-5.2-2025-1574=1

Reboot required after installation.

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Why This Update Matters for Enterprises

Linux kernel vulnerabilities are prime targets for ransomware groups and APTs. This patch mitigates:

• Privilege escalation via local access (CVSS 7.8+)

• Data breaches from memory corruption flaws

• System crashes triggered by network payloads

For DevOps teams, delayed patching increases compliance risks (e.g., CIS Benchmark non-compliance).

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FAQ

Q: Can these CVEs be exploited remotely?

A: Most require local access, but CVE-2024-56642 (CVSS 7.5) allows network-adjacent attacks.

Q: Is a kernel rebuild necessary?

A: No—SUSE’s precompiled kernel-rt packages include all fixes.

Q: How to verify patch installation?

A: Run rpm -q kernel-rt and confirm version 5.3.18-150300.208.1..