Known exploited · Linux
CVE-2025-39682: Linux Kernel Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions Vulnerability
What it is
Linux Kernel contains an improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions vulnerability in the TLS receive path which allows a zero-length record retrieved from the rx_list to bypass the intended recvmsg() record-type handling, potentially causing subsequent TLS records to be processed using incorrect zero-copy and queuing assumptions. The impacted product(s) could be end-of-life (EoL) and/or end-of-service (EoS). Users are advised to discontinue use and/or transition to a supported version.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Kernel
- Added to KEV
- September 18, 2026
- CISA due date
- September 21, 2026
- Ransomware use
- Unknown
What CISA requires
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Forensic triage
Yes
What to do now
- Find every instance of Kernel you run, including the forgotten ones, and check its version against the vendor advisory.
- Apply the vendor's fix or mitigation, before September 21, 2026 if you are bound by CISA's deadline, sooner if it faces the internet.
- Assume it was tried against you already: look for signs of exploitation from the date it was added, not from the day you patched.
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2902c3ebcca52ca845c03182000e8d71d3a5196f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c09dd3773b5950e9cfb6c9b9a5f6e36d06c62677
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3439c15ae91a517cf3c650ea15a8987699416ad9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/29c0ce3c8cdb6dc5d61139c937f34cb888a6f42e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/62708b9452f8eb77513115b17c4f8d1a22ebf843
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-39682
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Start freeSource: CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog (public domain), catalog version 2026.10.01.