CVE-2025-21846

acct: perform last write from workqueue

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: acct: perform last write from workqueue In [1] it was reported that the acct(2) system call can be used to trigger NULL deref in cases where it is set to write to a file that triggers an internal lookup. This can e.g., happen when pointing acc(2) to /sys/power/resume. At the point the where the write to this file happens the calling task has already exited and called exit_fs(). A lookup will thus trigger a NULL-deref when accessing current->fs. Reorganize the code so that the the final write happens from the workqueue but with the caller's credentials. This preserves the (strange) permission model and has almost no regression risk. This api should stop to exist though.

Category

5.5
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.04%
Affected: Linux Linux
Affected: Linux Linux
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2025-21846?
CVE-2025-21846 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2025-21846?
To fix CVE-2025-21846, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2025-21846 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2025-21846 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2025-21846?
CVE-2025-21846 affects Linux Linux, Linux Linux.
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