CVE-2024-42153 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
i2c: pnx: Fix potential deadlock warning from del_timer_sync() call in isr
When del_timer_sync() is called in an interrupt context it throws a warning because of potential deadlock. The timer is used only to exit from wait_for_completion() after a timeout so replacing the call with wait_for_completion_timeout() allows to remove the problematic timer and its related functions altogether.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-42153 addresses a critical timing issue within the Linux kernel's i2c pnx driver implementation that could lead to system instability and potential deadlock conditions. This flaw specifically manifests in interrupt service routines where the kernel's del_timer_sync() function is invoked, creating a dangerous scenario that violates fundamental kernel concurrency principles. The issue occurs when the driver attempts to manage timeout operations for i2c communication protocols through timer mechanisms that are incompatible with interrupt context execution. The problematic implementation creates a scenario where the kernel's warning system triggers due to potential deadlock conditions, indicating that the driver's approach to synchronization and timeout management is fundamentally flawed.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper use of kernel synchronization primitives within interrupt handling contexts. The del_timer_sync() function is designed for use in process context where it can safely wait for timer completion without risking deadlock scenarios, but when called from interrupt service routines, it creates a dangerous situation where the system may become unresponsive. This violation directly corresponds to CWE-367, which addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerabilities and improper handling of synchronization primitives in concurrent environments. The pnx i2c driver's implementation fails to properly distinguish between different execution contexts, leading to a scenario where interrupt handlers attempt operations that are explicitly forbidden in their context.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to systems relying on i2c communication protocols through the pnx platform, particularly in embedded environments where kernel stability is paramount. The potential for deadlock conditions means that systems could become unresponsive during i2c operations, leading to complete system hangs or requiring manual intervention to restore functionality. The impact extends beyond simple performance degradation to potentially compromising system availability, which is particularly concerning in industrial control systems, automotive applications, or any environment where continuous operation is critical. This vulnerability affects not only the immediate functionality of i2c devices but also the overall system reliability by introducing a potential point of failure in the kernel's interrupt handling subsystem.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves replacing the problematic timer-based timeout mechanism with the wait_for_completion_timeout() function, which provides the same functionality without the risk of deadlock. This approach eliminates the need for timer management entirely and leverages kernel primitives designed for the specific use case of timeout operations within interrupt contexts. The solution aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1489, which addresses system recovery and process manipulation, by ensuring that timeout operations do not introduce system-level instability. System administrators should prioritize applying the kernel patches that implement this fix, particularly in production environments where i2c communication is critical. The mitigation approach also addresses broader security considerations by reducing kernel complexity and eliminating potential attack vectors through improper timer handling, making the system more resilient to various forms of exploitation that might target kernel concurrency issues.