Critical Linux Kernel Security Update: Patch 4 High-Risk Vulnerabilities in SLE 12 SP5 Now (Live Patch 67)

 

Urgent SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 kernel security update patches 4 critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-38494, CVE-2025-38495, CVE-2025-38079, CVE-2025-38083) with high CVSS scores (up to 8.5). Learn risks, patch commands, affected systems, and why immediate remediation is essential for system integrity.

Is your SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 environment exposed to critical kernel-level threats? A newly released security update (Live Patch 67, SUSE-SU-2025:02827-1) addresses four high-severity vulnerabilities with CVSS scores reaching 8.5. 

These flaws, impacting core subsystems like HID, cryptography, and network scheduling, could allow local attackers to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause denial-of-service. Immediate patching is not just recommended; it's imperative for maintaining system integrity and compliance. 

This bulletin details the risks, provides precise patching instructions, and explains the critical nature of these fixes for enterprise security posture.

Affected Products & Severity:

• SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 12 SP5

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching 12-SP5

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 12 SP5
  Rating: Important

Vulnerability Deep Dive (CVE Analysis):

1. CVE-2025-38494 (CVSS 4.0: 8.5 / 3.1: 7.8) - HID Core Bypass Flaw:

   • Description: A critical flaw existed in the Human Interface Device (HID) core where hid_hw_raw_request() security checks could be bypassed (bsc#1247350).

   • Impact: This vulnerability could allow a malicious local user with access to a privileged HID device to bypass kernel security mechanisms, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges or system crashes.

   • Technical Insight: Improper validation within the HID subsystem handling could enable crafted input to circumvent intended access controls.

2. CVE-2025-38495 (CVSS 4.0: 8.5 / 3.1: 7.8) - HID Core Buffer Overflow:

   • Description: The HID core failed to ensure the allocated report buffer included space for the mandatory Report ID (bsc#1247351).

   • Impact: This buffer overflow flaw could be exploited by a local attacker via a specially crafted HID device, triggering a kernel heap overflow. Successful exploitation could lead to privilege escalation, denial-of-service, or arbitrary code execution in kernel context.

   • Technical Insight: Missing buffer size validation for HID reports created a classic memory corruption attack vector.

3. CVE-2025-38079 (CVSS 4.0: 7.3 / 3.1: 7.0) - Cryptography Double-Free:

   • Description: A double-free vulnerability was discovered in the algif_hash cryptographic API interface (crypto: algif_hash - fix double free in hash_accept, bsc#1245218).

   • Impact: Exploiting this race condition could crash the kernel (Denial-of-Service) or potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation by a local attacker manipulating cryptographic socket operations.

   • Technical Insight: Improper resource management during asynchronous hash operation acceptance created a race window causing memory corruption.

4. CVE-2025-38083 (CVSS 3.1: 7.8) - Network Scheduler Race Condition:

   • Description: A race condition existed in the prio_tune() function within the kernel's network packet scheduler (net_sched: prio: fix a race in prio_tune(), bsc#1245350).

   • Impact: This flaw could allow a local attacker to manipulate the network priority scheduler, potentially leading to denial-of-service (kernel crash) or instability in network traffic management.

   • Technical Insight: Insufficient locking during scheduler configuration changes created a concurrency vulnerability.

Why This Matters (Risk Context & Storytelling):

Imagine an attacker gaining physical access to a server console port or exploiting a lower-privilege web vulnerability to gain a local shell. 

Flaws like CVE-2025-38494 and CVE-2025-38495 provide a direct path from that initial foothold to complete system compromise (root access). The cryptographic vulnerability (CVE-2025-38079) undermines secure communication channels, while the network scheduler flaw (CVE-2025-38083) threatens core infrastructure stability. 

These aren't theoretical risks; they represent tangible vectors for sophisticated attacks targeting enterprise Linux environments. Proactive vulnerability remediation is the cornerstone of defense-in-depth security strategies mandated by frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001.

Patch Instructions (Clear & Actionable):
Apply this update immediately using one of these SUSE-recommended methods:

1. YaST Online Update: The simplest method via SUSE's graphical administration tool.

2. zypper patch Command: Execute this command in the terminal for automated patch application.

3. Manual Patch Installation (Specific for Live Patching):

   • SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching 12-SP5:

     text

     zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-Live-Patching-12-SP5-2025-2827=1 \
     SUSE-SLE-Live-Patching-12-SP5-2025-2828=1 \
     SUSE-SLE-Live-Patching-12-SP5-2025-2825=1 \
     SUSE-SLE-Live-Patching-12-SP5-2025-2826=1 \
     SUSE-SLE-Live-Patching-12-SP5-2025-2829=1

Affected Packages (Post-Patch):

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching 12-SP5 (ppc64le, s390x, x86_64):

  • kgraft-patch-4_12_14-122_255-default-5-2.1

  • kgraft-patch-4_12_14-122_244-default-8-2.1

  • kgraft-patch-4_12_14-122_231-default-13-2.1

  • kgraft-patch-4_12_14-122_250-default-6-2.1

  • kgraft-patch-4_12_14-122_222-default-16-2.1
    (Verification Tip: Use rpm -qa | grep kgraft-patch post-installation.)

Comprehensive References (E-E-A-T):

• Official SUSE Security Announcement: SUSE-SU-2025:02827-1 (Release Date: 2025-08-16)

• CVE Details:

  • CVE-2025-38079

  • CVE-2025-38083

  • CVE-2025-38494

  • CVE-2025-38495

• SUSE Bug Reports (bsc#):

  • bsc#1245218 (Crypto)

  • bsc#1245350 (Net Sched)

  • bsc#1247350 (HID Bypass)

  • bsc#1247351 (HID Buffer)

Best Practices for Enterprise Security Patching:

• Test in Staging: Validate patch compatibility before widespread deployment.

• Maintain Patch Schedules: Adhere strictly to your Change Management calendar.

• Leverage Live Patching: Minimize downtime using SUSE's kgraft technology where applicable.

• Monitor Systems: Use tools like SUSE Manager or Nagios to track patch compliance.

• Vulnerability Scanning: Integrate regular scans with solutions like Tenable Nessus or Qualys to identify unpatched systems.

• Security Automation: Employ configuration management (SaltStack, Ansible, Puppet) for consistent and auditable patching.

Conclusion & Action:

This Linux Kernel update (Live Patch 67) resolves critical vulnerabilities posing significant risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 SP5 systems. Ignoring these patches leaves systems vulnerable to local privilege escalation and kernel compromise. 

Do not delay. Implement the provided patching procedures immediately via YaST, zypper patch, or the specific Live Patching command. Prioritize this update within your vulnerability management cycle and verify successful installation across all affected systems. 

Robust patch management is non-negotiable for modern enterprise security and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely?

• A: No. All four CVEs (CVE-2025-38494, CVE-2025-38495, CVE-2025-38079, CVE-2025-38083) require local access to the system. However, this access could be gained via other exploits, stolen credentials, or physical access.

• Q: Is a system reboot required after applying this Live Patch?

• A: A core benefit of SUSE's Live Patching (kgraft) technology is that it typically avoids the need for an immediate reboot for kernel security fixes. The patch is applied directly to the running kernel. However, always consult the specific advisory and monitor system stability. A planned reboot during a maintenance window might still be prudent later.

• Q: How do I verify the patches are installed?

• A: Use the command zypper patches or zypper patch-info SUSE-SU-2025:02827-1. For Live Patching, check the installed kgraft packages (rpm -qa | grep kgraft-patch) or use kgr status (if available).

• Q: Are newer SUSE Linux Enterprise versions (15 SPx) affected?

• A: This specific advisory (SUSE-SU-2025:02827-1) applies only to SLE 12 SP5. Always check the SUSE Security Announcement for the specific affected products. Newer versions have different kernel versions and require their own security patches.

• Q: What's the risk of not patching?

  • A: Failure to patch exposes systems to local attackers gaining root privileges, executing malicious code at the kernel level, crashing the system (DoS), or bypassing critical security controls, leading to potential data breaches or system takeover.