Critical Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities Patched in USN-7608-1: Update Now to Secure Your Systems

 

Ubuntu USN-7608-1 patches critical Linux kernel vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-38001, CVE-2025-37932) in AWS, GCP, and NVIDIA systems. Learn how to update, reboot, and secure your servers against exploits. Includes patch versions for Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 LTS.

Published: July 1, 2025

Overview: Major Security Fixes for Linux Kernel

The Linux kernel has been updated to address multiple high-severity vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-38001, CVE-2025-38000, and more) affecting critical subsystems, including GPU drivers, SMB file systems, memory management, and network security. Attackers could exploit these flaws to gain unauthorized access or compromise systems.

Why This Update Matters:

• Patches zero-day vulnerabilities in cloud (AWS, GCP, Oracle), enterprise (IBM, NVIDIA), and low-latency environments.

• Requires immediate reboot after installation for full mitigation.

• Impacts Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy) and 20.04 LTS (Focal) deployments.

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Affected Packages and Update Instructions

Key Linux Kernel Packages Requiring Updates

Environment	Package Name	Fixed Version
AWS Cloud	linux-aws	5.15.0-1087.94
Google Cloud (GCP)	linux-gcp	5.15.0-1086.95
NVIDIA Systems	linux-nvidia	5.15.0-1081.82
Enterprise (IBM)	linux-ibm	5.15.0-1079.82

How to Apply the Patch

1. Run a standard system update:

   bash

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade  

2. Reboot your system to activate the fixes.

3. Recompile third-party kernel modules if using custom drivers (due to ABI changes).

⚠️ Warning: Delaying updates increases exposure to exploits. Ubuntu Pro users (free for 5 machines) get extended security coverage.

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Technical Deep Dive: Vulnerabilities and Mitigations

Exploitable Flaws in Critical Subsystems

1. GPU Drivers: Memory corruption risks (CVE-2025-38001).

2. SMB File System: Remote code execution (CVE-2025-37932).

3. Netfilter/Network TC: Traffic hijacking (CVE-2025-37890).

Impact: Unpatched systems are vulnerable to privilege escalation, data breaches, and DDoS attacks.

FAQ: Linux Kernel Security Update

Q: Do I need to reboot after updating?

A: Yes. Kernel updates require a reboot to load the patched version.

Q: What if I use custom kernel modules?

A: Recompile them against the new kernel version (5.15.0-143).

Q: Is Ubuntu Pro necessary for small deployments?

A: It provides 10-year security coverage for 25,000+ packages—ideal for long-term stability.

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