Critical Linux Kernel Security Update: Patch 5 High-Severity Vulnerabilities in SLE 15 SP3 (CVE-2024-36978, CVE-2025-38079, CVE-2025-38083, CVE-2025-38494, CVE-2025-38495). Learn about the risks, CVSS 7.0-8.5 scores, and how to secure your SUSE and openSUSE systems immediately.
Category: Enterprise Linux Security
A new critical security update, SUSE-SU-2025:02917-1, has been released to address five significant vulnerabilities in the Linux Kernel for SUSE Linux Enterprise 15 SP3 and openSUSE Leap 15.3.
These flaws, if exploited, could allow local attackers to escalate privileges, cause denial-of-service conditions, or execute arbitrary code, posing a severe risk to system integrity and data confidentiality. This live patch (Update 56) is rated Important and should be applied immediately by all system administrators.
Understanding the gravity of kernel-level exploits is paramount for any organization relying on Linux for its core infrastructure.
A single unpatched vulnerability can serve as a gateway for a full-scale security breach. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the threats, the affected systems, and the precise steps required to secure your environment against these emerging cyber threats.
Detailed Analysis of the Patched Vulnerabilities and Their CVSS Scores
The latest kernel live patch addresses a range of issues within key subsystems, including hardware input handling, cryptography, and network scheduling. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) rates these vulnerabilities as high-severity, underscoring the urgent need for remediation.
CVE-2025-38494 (CVSS 8.5) & CVE-2025-38495 (CVSS 8.5): HID Core Bypass and Buffer Flaws
These two critical vulnerabilities reside in the Human Interface Device (HID) core subsystem. They involve improper buffer handling and validation bypasses. An attacker with local access could craft a malicious HID device or input to trigger a buffer overflow or bypass security checks, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The CVSS 4.0 score of 8.5 highlights the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
CVE-2025-38079 (CVSS 7.3): Crypto ALGIF_HASH Double-Free Vulnerability
Located within the kernel's cryptographic framework (algif_hash), this flaw is a double-free memory corruption error. A local attacker could trigger this race condition during the acceptance of a new hash connection, causing a denial-of-service (kernel crash) or potentially executing arbitrary code. Memory corruption bugs are notoriously exploited for privilege escalation.
CVE-2025-38083 (CVSS 7.8) & CVE-2024-36978 (CVSS 7.8): Network Scheduling Race Conditions
These two vulnerabilities affect the network packet schedulers—specifically, theprioandmultiqmodules. They are race conditions in the tuning functions (prio_tune()andmultiq_tune()). A local attacker could exploit these to cause an out-of-bounds (OOB) write, leading to a system crash or a compromise of kernel memory.
Affected Products and Systems: Is Your Infrastructure at Risk?
This security patch is not limited to servers; it impacts a wide range of SUSE products built on the SLE 15 SP3 codebase. System administrators for the following enterprise-grade and open-source platforms must take immediate action:
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 SP3
SUSE Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3
SUSE Linux Enterprise Micro 5.1 & 5.2 (Lightweight OS for containerized and edge workloads)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching 15-SP3
openSUSE Leap 15.3
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply This Critical Kernel Security Update
Applying this patch promptly is the most effective mitigation against these threats. SUSE provides multiple streamlined methods for deployment, ensuring minimal downtime for critical systems.
Recommended Installation Methods:
Via YaST Online Update (YOU): The graphical tool for SUSE Linux Enterprise provides a user-friendly interface for reviewing and applying patches.
Using Zypper Command-Line Tool: For automated scripts and headless servers, use the command line. The specific command varies by product:
For openSUSE Leap 15.3:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-2025-2917=1
For SUSE Linux Enterprise Live Patching 15-SP3:
zypper in -t patch SUSE-SLE-Module-Live-Patching-15-SP3-2025-2917=1
After applying the update, it is considered a best practice to reboot the system if possible, or to confirm that the live patch has been loaded successfully using the klp-* tools, to ensure the new kernel code is active.
The Critical Importance of Proactive Kernel Patching in Enterprise Security
Why should patching the Linux kernel be a top priority for your security team? The kernel operates at the most privileged level of the operating system, controlling access to hardware, memory, and processes.
A vulnerability here is a master key for attackers, often bypassing all higher-level security controls. In an era of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, a proactive patch management strategy is your first and most robust line of defense, protecting sensitive data and ensuring business continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely over the internet?
A: No. According to the CVSS Vector, all these vulnerabilities require local access (AV:L). However, they could be chained with a remote exploit to gain initial access, making patching critically important.
Q2: What is the difference between the CVSS 3.1 and CVSS 4.0 scores?
A: CVSS 4.0 is a newer standard that provides more granularity and accuracy in scoring. The high scores across both versions confirm the severity. Always prioritize the most recent assessment.
Q3: I'm using a different Linux distribution (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu). Am I affected?
A: These specific CVEs are patched in SUSE's kernel. However, the upstream Linux kernel sources may contain the same flaws. You should consult your distribution's security advisories (e.g., Ubuntu CVE Tracker, Red Hat Security Errata) for information specific to your environment.
Q4: What is Live Patching, and do I still need to reboot?
A: SUSE Live Patching allows you to apply critical kernel security updates without rebooting, maximizing uptime for critical systems. The patch is loaded into memory and replaces the vulnerable code on the fly. For complete assurance, a reboot is still recommended during a maintenance window.
Conclusion: The swift application of security patches is a non-negotiable aspect of modern system administration. The SUSE-SU-2025:02917-1 update addresses serious vulnerabilities that directly impact the security and stability of your Linux systems.
By following the guidance provided, you can significantly harden your infrastructure against potential exploits. Review your systems today, schedule your updates, and ensure your organization's digital defenses remain strong.
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