Is CVE-2025-32438 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2025-32438 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2025-32438 be exploited remotely?

No. CVE-2025-32438 requires local access to exploit.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-32438?

CVE-2025-32438 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2025-32438

HIGH

CVE-2025-32438

CWE-378Published: April 15, 2025· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.8

CVSS v3.1

Official 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;.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2025-32438 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.8.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.