CVE-2025-39840: audit: fix out-of-bounds read in audit_compare_dname_path()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
audit: fix out-of-bounds read in auditcomparednamepath()
When a watch on dir=/ is combined with an fsnotify event for a single-character name directly under / (e.g., creating /a), an out-of-bounds read can occur in auditcomparednamepath().
The helper parentlen() returns 1 for "/". In auditcomparednamepath(), when parentlen equals the full path length (1), the code sets p = path + 1 and pathlen = 1 - 1 = 0. The subsequent loop then dereferences p[pathlen - 1] (i.e., p[-1]), causing an out-of-bounds read.
Fix this by adding a pathlen 0 check to the while loop condition to prevent the out-of-bounds access.
[PM: subject tweak, sign-off email fixes]
Other sources
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
audit: fix out-of-bounds read in auditcomparednamepath()
When a watch on dir=/ is combined with an fsnotify event for a single-character name directly under / (e.g., creating /a), an out-of-bounds read can occur in auditcomparednamepath().
The helper parentlen() returns 1 for "/". In auditcomparednamepath(), when parentlen equals the full path length (1), the code sets p = path + 1 and pathlen = 1 - 1 = 0. The subsequent loop then dereferences p[pathlen - 1] (i.e., p[-1]), causing an out-of-bounds read.
Fix this by adding a pathlen > 0 check to the while loop condition to prevent the out-of-bounds access.
[PM: subject tweak, sign-off email fixes]
— NVD
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-39840?
CVE-2025-39840 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2025-39840?
To fix CVE-2025-39840, ensure that your Linux kernel is updated to the latest stable version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-39840?
CVE-2025-39840 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's audit subsystem.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2025-39840?
CVE-2025-39840 affects various versions of the Linux kernel prior to the release that includes the patch for this vulnerability.
What kind of exploits can CVE-2025-39840 lead to?
CVE-2025-39840 could potentially allow attackers to read sensitive memory data due to the out-of-bounds read condition.