Kernel Panic Vulnerability in Linux Package: Critical Delay Issue Resolved
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-56618: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: pmdomain: imx: gpcv2: Adjust delay after power up handshake The udelay(5) is not enough, sometimes below kernel panic still be triggered: [ 4.012973] Ke... Affects linux versions < 6.12.5-1. Fixed in 6.12.5-1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux package is a core component of the Debian operating system, providing essential functionalities for hardware management and system operations. It serves as the backbone for various applications and services, ensuring efficient communication between software and hardware. This vulnerability specifically affects the power management domain of the Linux kernel, where an insufficient delay during the power-up handshake can lead to system instability and kernel panics.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified related to the power management domain (pmdomain) in the imx architecture. The issue arises from an inadequate delay (udelay(5)) after the power-up handshake, which may not be sufficient to prevent kernel panic situations. This can lead to system crashes, as evidenced by the kernel panic messages indicating asynchronous SError interrupts. The vulnerability is rooted in the timing of hardware interactions, where the correct operation relies on precise delays that were not adequately implemented in the affected versions.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.5-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux
Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can increase the delay in the power management handshake manually. This can be done by modifying the relevant kernel code to change the udelay from 5 to 10 microseconds, as determined through experimental data. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the package is recommended.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to power management can lead to significant system instability. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the patched version 6.12.5-1 to prevent potential kernel panics. Temporary workarounds are available, but they should not replace the need for a proper update.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to kernel panics, causing the system to crash and potentially resulting in data loss or corruption.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If an immediate update is not possible, consider implementing the suggested workaround to mitigate the risk temporarily.
Yes, this vulnerability specifically affects the imx architecture within the Linux kernel.
Detailed information can be found in the Debian CVE database at https://storage.googleapis.com/debian-osv/debian-cve-osv/DEBIAN-CVE-2024-56618.json.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.