CVE-2025-40249
kernel: Kernel: Use-after-free in GPIO character device allows privilege escalation or denial of service
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · December 4, 2025
Updated · July 30, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) character device. A local attacker with low privileges could exploit a use-after-free vulnerability. This occurs when a GPIO change event is emitted after a file descriptor's reference count has dropped to zero, but before its release callback is invoked. This could lead to privilege escalation or a denial of service.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
No mitigation is specified in collected source.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.1CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H
CWE-910 · Use of Expired File Descriptor