Critical Rocky Linux 8 kernel-rt security update RLSA-2025:12753 addresses multiple high-severity CVEs, including CVE-2025-37890 and CVE-2025-38052. Learn about the vulnerabilities, affected RPM packages, and why immediate patching is essential for enterprise system security.
Rocky Linux Kernel RT Security Update | Patch CVE-2025-37890, CVE-2025-38052
The Rocky Linux development team has issued a critical security advisory, RLSA-2025:12753, mandating an immediate update for the kernel-rt (Real-Time kernel) package on all Rocky Linux 8 systems.
This patch addresses a suite of newly discovered vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise system integrity, escalate privileges, or cause denial-of-service conditions.
For system administrators and DevOps professionals managing enterprise-grade Linux environments, understanding the scope and severity of these threats is the first step in mitigating significant operational risk. Why would you delay patching a component as fundamental as the kernel?
Detailed Analysis of the Security Vulnerabilities
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system provides a standardized method for categorizing these threats.
Each CVE listed in this advisory has been assessed using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), which offers a detailed, quantitative severity rating. This update specifically remediates the following critical vulnerabilities:
CVE-2025-37890: A flaw found in the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem. A local attacker could potentially use this to cause a system crash or execute arbitrary code, compromising the entire system.
CVE-2025-38052: A vulnerability within the kernel's networking stack. This could allow a remote attacker to trigger a denial-of-service, disrupting critical network services.
CVE-2025-22020: An issue related to filesystem handling that could permit unauthorized access to sensitive data.
CVE-2025-21928: A bug that could be leveraged for privilege escalation, allowing a user with local access to gain root-level permissions.
CVE-2025-38079 & CVE-2022-50020: Additional vulnerabilities patched in this release that address various stability and security issues within the real-time kernel infrastructure.
Pro Tip: Always consult the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) for the most current CVSS scores and impact analysis before prioritizing patch deployment in a production environment.
Affected RPM Packages: A Comprehensive List
This security update is not limited to a single package; it encompasses the entire kernel-rt ecosystem to ensure complete mitigation.
The following RPM packages have been updated to version 4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10 and should be updated simultaneously to maintain compatibility and full system security.
To optimize readability, the packages are categorized:
Core Kernel & Development Packages:
kernel-rt-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-core-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-devel-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpm
Debugging & Diagnostic Packages:
kernel-rt-debuginfo-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debuginfo-common-x86_64-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpm
Debug Kernel Variants (for troubleshooting):
kernel-rt-debug-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debug-core-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debug-devel-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debug-kvm-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debug-modules-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-debug-modules-extra-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpm
KVM Virtualization & Module Support:
kernel-rt-kvm-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-modules-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpmkernel-rt-modules-extra-0:4.18.0-553.66.1.rt7.407.el8_10.x86_64.rpm
[Visual Element Suggestion: A simple table here listing Package Name, Version, and Purpose would greatly enhance scannability and user experience.]
Best Practices for Enterprise Linux Security Patching
In high-performance computing and real-time environments where the kernel-rt is deployed, unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. This necessitates a structured and reliable patch management strategy.
The classic "patch immediately" advice must be balanced with operational stability.
A robust strategy often involves:
Staging First: Immediately applying the update to a non-production environment that mirrors your live system.
Rigorous Testing: Conducting thorough performance and regression tests to ensure the new kernel does not disrupt critical applications.
Phased Rollout: Deploying the patch to a small subset of production servers before a full-scale rollout, allowing you to monitor for unforeseen issues.
Automation: Utilizing configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or SaltStack to ensure consistent and repeatable deployments across your entire server fleet.
Adopting this methodical approach minimizes risk while upholding the stringent security standards required for modern IT infrastructure.
The Importance of Kernel Security in 2025
The Linux kernel is the bedrock of virtually every modern computing platform, from cloud servers and containers to embedded IoT devices. As such, it remains a prime target for malicious actors.
The trends for 2025 indicate a continued rise in sophisticated attacks targeting core system components, making proactive security maintenance not just a best practice, but a critical business imperative.
Regular kernel updates are a fundamental pillar of a strong cybersecurity posture, protecting against both known vulnerabilities and emerging threat vectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between the standard kernel and the kernel-rt?
A: The standard Linux kernel is designed for general-purpose use with a focus on overall throughput. The kernel-rt (Real-Time) patchset provides preemption improvements and latency reductions, making it essential for time-sensitive applications like financial trading, industrial automation, and scientific computing.
Q2: How do I apply this security update on my Rocky Linux 8 system?
A: You can update all packages seamlessly using the dnf package manager. Execute the command sudo dnf update kernel-rt and reboot your system to load the new, secure kernel.
Q3: Where can I find the official Rocky Linux security advisories?
A: All official advisories are published on the Rocky Linux Security Advisories (RLSA) portal. You can also subscribe to their security mailing lists for immediate notifications.
Q4: What is a CVSS score and how should I interpret it?
A: The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a numerical score (0-10) representing the severity of a vulnerability. Scores of 7.0-10.0 are considered High or Critical and should be prioritized for immediate patching.
Conclusion: The RLSA-2025:12753 advisory is a crucial reminder of the persistent and evolving threat landscape in open-source software.
For organizations relying on Rocky Linux 8 with real-time kernel requirements, promptly applying this update is a non-negotiable action to safeguard data, ensure service availability, and maintain trust. Review your systems today, plan your deployment strategy, and reinforce your defenses against these critical vulnerabilities.
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