CVE-2025-38352 Linux Kernel: software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Sep 25, 2025
What to do
- Install Linux's security update for Kernel. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.
The details
- Official name
- Linux Kernel Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) Race Condition Vulnerability
- Product
- Linux Kernel
- CISA description
- Linux kernel contains a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability that has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-367)
- Confirmed exploited
- Sep 4, 2025
- US federal patch deadline
- Sep 25, 2025
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2025-38352 ·
Questions about CVE-2025-38352
Is CVE-2025-38352 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2025-38352 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 4, 2025, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38352?
Install Linux's security update for Kernel. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
Am I affected by CVE-2025-38352?
Only if you use Linux Kernel. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.