CVE-2024-26711 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iio: adc: ad4130: zero-initialize clock init data
The clk_init_data struct does not have all its members initialized, causing issues when trying to expose the internal clock on the CLK pin.
Fix this by zero-initializing the clk_init_data struct.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-26711 addresses a critical initialization flaw within the Linux kernel's industrial I/O subsystem, specifically affecting the ad4130 analog-to-digital converter driver. This issue resides in the iio: adc: ad4130 component which handles communication with Analog Devices AD4130 high-resolution delta-sigma ADC devices. The flaw manifests when attempting to expose the internal clock functionality on the CLK pin through the clock framework interface. The root cause stems from improper initialization of the clk_init_data structure, a fundamental data structure used to configure clock sources within the Linux kernel's clock management system. When this structure is not properly initialized, it leaves certain members with unpredictable values that can lead to system instability or incorrect clock behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the clk_init_data structure which serves as the interface between hardware clock drivers and the kernel's clock framework. This structure contains multiple fields including clock name, operations, parent clocks, and various configuration parameters that must be properly set for the clock subsystem to function correctly. The ad4130 driver fails to initialize all members of this structure to known values before passing it to the clock subsystem, creating a scenario where uninitialized memory contents can influence clock behavior. This pattern represents a classic uninitialized memory access vulnerability that can lead to unpredictable system states and potential security implications within the kernel's clock management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple functionality degradation to potentially compromise system stability and security. When the internal clock is exposed on the CLK pin, improper initialization can cause clock rate misconfigurations, incorrect clock source selections, or even system crashes during clock framework operations. The vulnerability affects systems using the AD4130 ADC chip in industrial I/O applications where precise timing and clock synchronization are critical for data acquisition processes. This issue can particularly impact embedded systems, industrial automation equipment, and IoT devices that rely on accurate clock management for proper operation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variable, which is a common class of issues in kernel space programming where uninitialized variables can lead to unpredictable behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26711 involve implementing proper zero-initialization of the clk_init_data structure before any operations are performed on it. This fix ensures that all members of the structure are set to predictable values, eliminating the risk of uninitialized memory contents affecting clock behavior. The solution follows established kernel development practices and security guidelines for proper data structure initialization. System administrators should update their kernel versions to include this fix, particularly in environments where industrial I/O systems are deployed. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter - PowerShell, though in a kernel context where the attack surface involves improper initialization rather than malicious command execution. This fix represents a defensive programming approach that prevents potential exploitation of uninitialized memory conditions in kernel space, aligning with the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices recommended by the Linux kernel security team.
The resolution of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel data structure initialization in maintaining system stability and security. The fix specifically addresses the clock framework's handling of ADC devices, ensuring that all clock initialization parameters are properly set before being processed by the kernel's clock management subsystem. This particular issue highlights the need for rigorous code review processes in kernel development, particularly around data structure initialization in device drivers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor initialization oversights can have significant impacts on system behavior, especially in critical infrastructure and industrial applications where precise timing is essential for proper operation.