CVE-2025-9640
samba: vfs_streams_xattr uninitialized memory write possible
Severity
LowRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · October 15, 2025
Updated · September 1, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Samba, in the vfs_streams_xattr module, where uninitialized heap memory could be written into alternate data streams. This allows an authenticated user to read residual memory content that may include sensitive data, resulting in an information disclosure vulnerability.
Statement
This vulnerability is rated Low because its exploitation scope and potential impact are tightly constrained. Technically, the flaw only allows disclosure of uninitialized heap memory fragments, not direct control or corruption of memory. The attacker must already be an authenticated user with write access to files using the vfs_streams_xattr module, significantly reducing the attack surface. The exposed data is non-deterministic and contextually limited—it consists of residual memory content that may or may not contain meaningful information, with no guarantee of retrieving sensitive secrets. Additionally, Samba already clears known secret buffers before freeing memory, further lowering the risk of credential or key exposure.
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
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 4.3CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
CWE-908 · Use of Uninitialized Resource