CVE-2025-38237 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: platform: exynos4-is: Add hardware sync wait to fimc_is_hw_change_mode()
In fimc_is_hw_change_mode(), the function changes camera modes without waiting for hardware completion, risking corrupted data or system hangs if subsequent operations proceed before the hardware is ready.
Add fimc_is_hw_wait_intmsr0_intmsd0() after mode configuration, ensuring hardware state synchronization and stable interrupt handling.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2025
This vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel's multimedia subsystem, specifically affecting the exynos4 image sensor driver component. The issue manifests in the fimc_is_hw_change_mode() function which governs camera mode transitions within embedded systems utilizing Samsung's Exynos4 platform architecture. The flaw represents a critical synchronization problem that can lead to system instability and data corruption during camera operation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which addresses race conditions in concurrent programming scenarios where operations do not properly wait for hardware completion before proceeding.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the camera mode transition function executes without adequate hardware synchronization mechanisms. During mode changes, the system attempts to configure new camera parameters while the underlying hardware may still be processing previous operations or transitioning between states. This asynchronous behavior creates a window where subsequent operations can access or modify camera registers before the hardware has fully stabilized, leading to unpredictable behavior patterns. The function lacks proper interrupt handling and state verification mechanisms that would ensure the hardware has completed its mode transition before allowing further operations to proceed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple camera functionality degradation to potentially causing complete system hangs or data corruption in multimedia applications. When camera modes change without proper hardware synchronization, the system may experience intermittent failures where video streams become corrupted or applications crash during mode transitions. This vulnerability particularly affects embedded devices running Linux kernels with Exynos4 platform support, including various mobile devices, automotive infotainment systems, and industrial multimedia applications. The risk is amplified in real-time systems where timing constraints and hardware reliability are critical factors for system operation.
Security implications of this vulnerability include potential denial-of-service conditions that could render camera functionality completely non-operational or cause system instability during critical operations. The flaw does not directly expose system credentials or create direct attack vectors but represents a reliability issue that could be exploited in resource-constrained environments where system stability is paramount. The fix implements fimc_is_hw_wait_intmsr0_intmsd0() function call after mode configuration to ensure proper interrupt handling and hardware state synchronization. This mitigation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1486, which addresses system resource hijacking through improper resource management, and follows best practices for kernel-level hardware synchronization as recommended in the Linux kernel security guidelines. The solution ensures that all hardware mode transitions complete properly before allowing subsequent operations to proceed, thereby eliminating the race condition that previously led to system instability and data corruption scenarios.