Vulnerability Description
make-initrd-ng is a tool for copying binaries and their dependencies. Local privilege escalation affecting all NixOS users. With systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable enabled (the default) a local user is able to create a program that will be executed by root during shutdown. Patches exist for NixOS 24.11 and 25.05 / unstable. As a workaround, set systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable = false;.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/commit/b17590193d8e5697000c23c66afcf11e1753734d
- https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/commit/fbf76bf72b161b9f4ab97704a8258776d5f3ffba
- https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/security/advisories/GHSA-m7pq-h9p4-8rr4
FAQ
What is CVE-2025-32438?
CVE-2025-32438 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). make-initrd-ng is a tool for copying binaries and their dependencies. Local privilege escalation affecting all NixOS users. With systemd.shutdownRamfs.enable enabled (the default) a local user is able...
How severe is CVE-2025-32438?
CVE-2025-32438 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.8/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2025-32438?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.