Linux Kernel Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions Vulnerability (CVE-2025-39682)
Severity: critical · Patch status: patched · Since 2026-09-18 · CVE-2025-39682
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 rxlist 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. CISA added CVE-2025-39682 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Sep 18, 2026, which means attackers are exploiting it in the wild.
What to do
- 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.
- US federal agencies must remediate by Sep 21, 2026 (BOD 22-01); treat that as the outer limit.
Sources
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