Critical Rocky Linux 8 kernel-rt security update patches multiple CVEs, including CVE-2025-21905 & CVE-2025-21919. Learn about the vulnerabilities, affected RPM packages, and immediate remediation steps to secure your enterprise systems.
Is your real-time Linux infrastructure secure against emerging threats? A newly released security advisory, RLSA-2025:11851, addresses multiple critical vulnerabilities in the kernel-rt packages for Rocky Linux 8.
This update is categorized as a security enhancement of urgent priority, requiring immediate attention from system administrators and DevOps teams managing production environments.
Failure to patch could leave systems exposed to potential privilege escalation, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, or other exploits.
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a detailed severity rating for each identified flaw, underscoring the potential impact on enterprise operations. This comprehensive analysis will break down the advisory, explain the risks, and guide you through the remediation process to ensure your systems remain robust and secure.
Understanding the Security Advisory: RLSA-2025:11851
The Rocky Linux security team has issued advisory RLSA-2025:11851 to mitigate risks associated with the real-time kernel (kernel-rt).
This update is specifically targeted at Rocky Linux 8 systems, a mainstay in many enterprise server and real-time computing workloads. Security patches of this nature are essential for maintaining system integrity, compliance, and operational continuity.
The kernel is the core of any operating system, managing communications between hardware and software. The real-time kernel variant is particularly sensitive, as it often controls critical infrastructure where stability and predictable response times are paramount.
A vulnerability within the kernel-rt can have far-reaching consequences, making this update non-negotiable for security-conscious organizations.
Detailed Breakdown of Patched Vulnerabilities (CVEs)
The update resolves several specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Each CVE entry provides a standardized assessment of the associated risk.
CVE-2025-21905: A vulnerability discovered in the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem. This flaw could potentially allow a local attacker to trigger a denial-of-service condition, causing system instability and unavailability.
CVE-2025-21919: This security issue pertains to a flaw in a specific kernel driver. If successfully exploited, it could lead to unintended information disclosure or provide a vector for further system compromise.
CVE-2022-49977: An older vulnerability that has been included in this patch bundle, ensuring comprehensive coverage and protection against known exploit chains.
For each vulnerability, a detailed CVSS base score is available from the official CVE list, which quantifies the exploitability and impact of each flaw. System administrators should consult these scores to prioritize deployment within their specific risk framework.
Complete List of Affected RPM Packages
The following kernel-rt RPM packages have been updated to version 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10 to address these security issues. It is crucial to update all relevant packages on your systems to ensure complete protection.
| Package Name | Version & Architecture | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
kernel-rt | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | The main real-time kernel package |
kernel-rt-core | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Core kernel components |
kernel-rt-devel | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Development files for building kernel modules |
kernel-rt-modules | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Kernel modules for core functionality |
kernel-rt-modules-extra | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Additional kernel modules |
kernel-rt-debuginfo | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Debugging information for problem analysis |
kernel-rt-kvm | 4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.x86_64.rpm | Kernel for KVM virtualized guests |
| ...and other debug variants... |
Source RPM: kernel-rt-4.18.0-553.64.1.rt7.405.el8_10.src.rpm
Immediate Remediation: How to Apply This Security Update
How do you protect your systems? The process for applying this critical kernel security patch is straightforward but must be performed with care.
Connect to your Rocky Linux 8 system via SSH or direct console.
Update your package repository cache using the command:
sudo dnf check-updateApply the security update specifically for the kernel-rt packages:
sudo dnf update kernel-rt*Reboot your system to load the new patched kernel:
sudo reboot
Always ensure you have tested updates in a staging environment before deploying to production. For highly available systems, consider leveraging live kernel patching solutions or coordinating rolling reboots across a cluster to minimize service disruption. After rebooting, verify the new kernel version is active by running uname -r.
The Critical Role of Kernel Security in Enterprise Linux
Why are kernel updates treated with such urgency? The Linux kernel acts as the bridge between software applications and a server's physical hardware.
A vulnerability at this level can undermine all other security measures, from firewalls to application-level encryption.
For real-time kernels, which are deployed in sensitive environments like financial trading platforms, industrial control systems, and telecommunications infrastructure, a denial-of-service attack isn't just an inconvenience—it can result in significant financial loss or safety risks.
Proactive patch management is not just a best practice; it's a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity hygiene. This aligns with frameworks like NIST's Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasizes "Protect" and "Respond" functions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Rocky Linux?
A: Rocky Linux is an open-source enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is a popular, community-driven choice for servers and workstations.
Q: What is kernel-rt?
A: Kernel-rt (real-time) is a variant of the Linux kernel patched with the PREEMPT_RT patchset. It provides deterministic response times and is essential for time-sensitive applications where timing is critical.
Q: How serious are these vulnerabilities?
A: The severity is defined by the CVSS scores linked in the CVE list. The inclusion of this update in a security advisory indicates the Rocky Linux team considers it urgent. Patching is strongly recommended.
Q: Do I need to reboot after applying the update?
A: Yes. A kernel update requires a system reboot to unload the old kernel and load the new, patched version into memory.
Q: Where can I find more information on Rocky Linux security?
A: You can find all official advisories on the Rocky Linux Security Advisories page (conceptual internal link).
Conclusion: Staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is a continuous process vital for any IT infrastructure. The RLSA-2025:11851 kernel-rt update for Rocky Linux 8 is a critical defensive measure.
By promptly applying this patch, you proactively secure your systems against potential exploits, ensuring stability, protecting data, and maintaining trust. Review your systems today and schedule this essential update.
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