In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been resolved that affects Nvidia's Tegra MGBE controllers. This vulnerability allows incorrect handling of the IOMMU "Stream ID" (SID) due to the current driver being hard-coded to use MGBE0's SID for all controllers. As a result, when using controllers other than MGBE0, organizations may experience softirq timeouts and kernel panics.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. Understanding the potential impact is crucial, as it can lead to system instability and downtime if left unaddressed.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Reports indicate that this vulnerability can lead to significant disruptions in service, making it essential for organizations to address it in their immediate patch cycle.
Given the technical nature of this vulnerability, understanding the underlying cause is vital for effective remediation and future prevention.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question is specifically linked to the handling of the IOMMU SID for Nvidia's Tegra MGBE controllers. The driver’s hard-coded configuration to use MGBE0's SID leads to improper handling when other controllers are in use, causing system-level issues.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, with versions from 6.2 to 6.12.10 and specific release candidates for version 6.13 being vulnerable. The vulnerability was published on January 21, 2025, and has been classified as a medium severity issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the incorrect handling of the IOMMU Stream ID, which is critical for the operation of the Tegra MGBE controllers. The attack vector is classified as local, meaning that an attacker would need local access to exploit the vulnerability.
With a low attack complexity and low privileges required, the barrier for exploitation is relatively low. Importantly, no user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, increasing its risk profile.
The vulnerability primarily affects availability, leading to high impact on system performance due to potential kernel panics.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world risks associated with this vulnerability include significant disruptions to service availability and potential loss of system functionality. Organizations leveraging affected Linux kernel versions should assess their deployment environments for exposure to this issue.
The urgency for remediation is moderate, given the potential for severe impact if exploited. Organizations should schedule remediation as part of their priority patch cycle.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected: versions from 6.2 to 6.12.10, as well as release candidates 6.13:rc1 to 6.13:rc6. Organizations should ensure they update to patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest stable version that addresses this vulnerability. Specific patches can be found in the following links: Patch 1, Patch 2, and Patch 3 to ensure full resolution of the issue.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for specific error messages related to the Tegra MGBE controllers can help in identifying potential issues stemming from this vulnerability. Organizations should also look for behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected kernel panics or softirq timeouts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of timely updates and patches in the Linux kernel ecosystem. With the increasing complexity of hardware interactions, security teams should maintain vigilance over kernel updates.
It is crucial for organizations to integrate proactive security measures, such as continuous penetration testing, into their security programs to mitigate risks associated with kernel vulnerabilities.
For detailed guidance on effective security practices, organizations can refer to resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management programs to enhance security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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