CVE-2024-27037 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically affecting the clock driver for the Zynq platform (zynq_clk). The root cause of the vulnerability is a null pointer dereference triggered by a failure in the kmalloc() memory allocation function within the zynq_clk_setup() routine. When physical memory is exhausted, kmalloc() returns a null pointer. The vulnerable code then attempts to use snprintf() to write data to this null pointer, causing a null pointer dereference and leading to a kernel crash or denial of service (DoS). The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference). The patch replaces the dynamic memory allocation via kmalloc() with a stack variable, eliminating the risk of null pointer dereference due to allocation failure. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), with the vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating that the attack requires local access with low complexity and low privileges, no user interaction, and results in high impact on availability but no impact on confidentiality or integrity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The affected versions correspond to specific Linux kernel commits prior to the patch. This vulnerability primarily affects embedded systems or devices using the Zynq platform running vulnerable Linux kernel versions. Since the vulnerability causes a denial of service via kernel crash, it could disrupt operations on affected devices but does not allow code execution or data compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27037 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems running on Zynq-based hardware. Such hardware is commonly used in embedded systems, industrial control systems, telecommunications equipment, and specialized IoT devices. A successful exploitation leads to a denial of service by crashing the kernel, potentially causing system downtime and service interruptions. This can affect critical infrastructure, manufacturing plants, or telecom services relying on embedded Linux devices. Although the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity, availability disruption can have significant operational and financial consequences, especially in sectors requiring high uptime and reliability. The requirement for local access and low privileges limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers with physical or local network access could trigger the vulnerability. European organizations with embedded Linux deployments in sectors such as industrial automation, automotive, telecommunications, and defense should be particularly vigilant. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but timely patching is essential to prevent potential future attacks.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patch that replaces kmalloc() with a stack variable in the zynq_clk_setup() function as soon as it is available and tested for your environment. 2. For embedded devices or systems where kernel patching is not immediately feasible, implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and physical access to devices running vulnerable kernels. 3. Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of null pointer dereference or unexpected reboots that may indicate attempted exploitation. 4. Conduct an inventory of all embedded Linux devices using Zynq platforms within your infrastructure to identify affected systems. 5. Coordinate with hardware and device vendors to obtain updated firmware or kernel versions that include the fix. 6. Implement network segmentation to isolate critical embedded systems and reduce the risk of local exploitation spreading. 7. Regularly update and patch embedded Linux systems as part of a comprehensive vulnerability management program. 8. Educate local administrators and operators about the risk and signs of exploitation to enable rapid detection and response.