CVE-2023-52645 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
pmdomain: mediatek: fix race conditions with genpd
If the power domains are registered first with genpd and *after that* the driver attempts to power them on in the probe sequence, then it is possible that a race condition occurs if genpd tries to power them on in the same time. The same is valid for powering them off before unregistering them from genpd. Attempt to fix race conditions by first removing the domains from genpd and *after that* powering down domains. Also first power up the domains and *after that* register them to genpd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52645 represents a critical race condition within the Linux kernel's power management subsystem, specifically affecting the Mediatek power domain driver implementation. This flaw manifests when the kernel attempts to manage power domains through the generic power domain framework genpd, creating scenarios where concurrent operations can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential security implications. The issue occurs in the interaction between device driver initialization sequences and the generic power domain management infrastructure, where proper ordering of operations is not maintained during power domain registration and power state transitions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper sequencing of operations within the Mediatek power domain driver implementation. When power domains are initially registered with the genpd framework and subsequently powered on during device probe operations, or when domains are powered off before unregistering from genpd, the lack of proper synchronization creates opportunities for concurrent access patterns that can result in memory corruption, device malfunction, or system instability. This race condition specifically affects the order of operations between power domain state management and framework registration/unregistration, where the expected sequence of operations is not maintained, leading to potential conflicts in the power domain management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable privilege escalation or denial of service conditions within embedded systems and mobile devices that rely on Mediatek SoCs. Attackers could potentially exploit this race condition to manipulate power domain states in ways that might compromise system integrity, cause device crashes, or create persistent access points for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems where the Mediatek power domain driver is used, particularly in mobile platforms, embedded devices, and IoT systems where proper power management is critical for both performance and security.
The fix implemented for CVE-2023-52645 addresses the race condition by enforcing proper ordering of operations within the power domain management sequence. The solution requires first removing power domains from the genpd framework before powering them down, and conversely, powering up domains before registering them with genpd. This approach aligns with established best practices for concurrent system programming and follows the principles of proper resource management as outlined in CWE-362, which addresses concurrent execution issues. The mitigation strategy follows the ATT&CK framework's system binary modification techniques by ensuring proper kernel-level resource ordering and synchronization, preventing unauthorized or unintended modifications to power domain states during critical system operations. This fix demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper operation sequencing in kernel-level power management systems and reinforces the need for careful consideration of race conditions in embedded system drivers where hardware and software interactions must be precisely coordinated to maintain system integrity and security.