Linux Kernel Vulnerability Affecting NTFS3 File System Functions

CVE-2025-38167

What is CVE-2025-38167?

In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability was identified in the NTFS3 file system's handling of the hdr_first_de() function, which returns a pointer to a struct NTFS_DE. This pointer may be NULL, highlighting the need for a robust error handler to manage any potential NULL pointer dereferences. While error handling is already implemented in other calls to this function, enhancing these mechanisms will ensure more consistent error management across the system. This improvement is crucial for maintaining system stability and security, as it mitigates risks associated with mishandling pointer values.

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