CVE-2024-42095 addresses a vulnerability in the Linux kernel specifically related to the serial driver for the 8250_omap hardware, which is commonly used in embedded systems and certain ARM-based platforms. The issue arises from the improper handling of Errata i2310, a known hardware erratum documented by Texas Instruments. This erratum describes a scenario where an erroneous timeout interrupt can be triggered. If this erroneous interrupt is not properly cleared by the driver, it can lead to a continuous storm of interrupts. Such an interrupt storm can overwhelm the system's interrupt handling mechanism, potentially causing degraded system performance, increased CPU utilization, and in worst cases, system instability or denial of service. The vulnerability is rooted in the failure to implement the Errata i2310 workaround in the Linux kernel's 8250_omap serial driver, which is critical for stable operation on affected hardware. The fix involves applying the Errata i2310 solution as outlined in the Texas Instruments documentation (sprz536, page 23), ensuring that erroneous interrupts are correctly identified and cleared to prevent the interrupt storm. This vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes, indicating it is present in certain kernel builds prior to the patch. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems running on affected hardware platforms that utilize the 8250_omap serial driver, such as embedded devices, industrial control systems, or ARM-based servers. If exploited, the interrupt storm could lead to denial of service conditions by exhausting CPU resources or causing system instability. This can disrupt critical services, especially in sectors relying on embedded Linux devices such as manufacturing, telecommunications, automotive, and IoT infrastructure. The vulnerability does not directly expose confidentiality or integrity risks but poses a significant availability threat. Organizations with large-scale deployments of embedded Linux devices or ARM-based systems in operational technology environments are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for disruption in critical infrastructure or industrial environments makes timely remediation important.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patches that implement the Errata i2310 workaround in the 8250_omap serial driver as soon as they become available. Monitor kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions and vendors for this fix. 2. For embedded or industrial devices where kernel updates are not straightforward, coordinate with device manufacturers or vendors to obtain firmware or software updates that include the patch. 3. Implement monitoring for abnormal interrupt rates or CPU usage spikes on systems using the 8250_omap driver to detect potential exploitation or malfunction early. 4. Isolate critical embedded Linux systems from untrusted networks to reduce exposure. 5. Conduct thorough testing of updated kernels or firmware in staging environments before deployment to avoid regressions. 6. Maintain an inventory of devices running affected kernel versions and hardware to prioritize patching efforts effectively.