CVE-2024-36029 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the MMC (MultiMediaCard) subsystem's sdhci-msm driver. The issue arises because the generic sdhci code registers an LED device and uses a flag called host->runtime_suspended to prevent access to the device when the controller is in a suspended state. However, the sdhci-msm driver fails to set this runtime_suspended flag correctly. As a result, if the LED device is accessed while the controller is runtime suspended, it can cause a kernel crash. This vulnerability is essentially a logic flaw in the driver’s power management implementation, leading to improper synchronization and unsafe access to hardware resources during runtime suspension. The fix involves correctly setting the runtime_suspended flag in the sdhci-msm driver to prevent access to the LED device during suspension, thereby avoiding the crash. This vulnerability does not appear to have any known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that this is a recent and targeted fix in the Linux kernel source code.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-36029 depends largely on their use of Linux systems that incorporate the sdhci-msm driver, which is typically found in devices using Qualcomm MSM (Mobile Station Modem) chipsets or similar hardware platforms. This vulnerability can cause system instability or denial of service (DoS) through kernel crashes when the LED device is accessed during runtime suspension. While this does not directly lead to privilege escalation or data breach, the resulting kernel panic can disrupt critical services, especially in embedded systems, IoT devices, or mobile platforms running Linux kernels with this driver. Organizations relying on Linux-based infrastructure for network equipment, industrial control systems, or mobile devices could experience operational interruptions. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental crashes. Given the widespread use of Linux in European IT environments, particularly in telecommunications, manufacturing, and public sector infrastructure, the vulnerability could affect service availability and operational continuity if not addressed promptly.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-36029. Specifically, system administrators should: 1) Identify all devices and systems running Linux kernels with the sdhci-msm driver, especially those using Qualcomm MSM chipsets or similar hardware. 2) Apply kernel updates or patches provided by their Linux distribution vendors or compile the kernel from source with the fix applied. 3) For embedded or IoT devices where kernel updates are challenging, consider isolating affected devices from critical networks or implementing monitoring to detect kernel crashes or unexpected reboots. 4) Review power management configurations and runtime suspend policies to minimize unnecessary suspensions that could trigger the vulnerability. 5) Engage with hardware and software vendors to confirm patch availability and deployment timelines. 6) Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate the impact of potential service disruptions caused by kernel crashes. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on hardware-specific driver considerations and operational controls relevant to this vulnerability.