CVE-2024-53157 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically related to the ARM SCPI (System Control and Power Interface) firmware driver. The issue arises when the SCPI firmware returns a Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) Operating Performance Point (OPP) count of zero. The kernel code fails to properly validate this count before dereferencing a pointer, leading to a NULL pointer dereference and subsequent kernel crash (kernel panic). The vulnerability manifests during the reboot test phase on certain platforms, notably those using the Phytium FT2000/4 ARM-based processors, as indicated by the call trace and hardware details. The crash occurs in the function scpi_dvfs_recalc_rate, which attempts to allocate memory based on the OPP count without checking if the count is zero, resulting in a fatal exception and system halt. This vulnerability can cause denial of service (DoS) by crashing the kernel, disrupting system availability. The problem is rooted in improper input validation of firmware data, which is critical for stable power and clock management in ARM-based Linux systems. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hashes provided, which correspond to versions prior to the fix. The issue is particularly relevant for ARM-based Linux deployments that rely on SCPI firmware for DVFS management, including certain server and embedded platforms.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-53157 is the potential for denial of service due to kernel crashes on affected ARM-based Linux systems. This can disrupt critical infrastructure, cloud services, and embedded systems that utilize affected hardware and kernel versions. Organizations running ARM server platforms or specialized ARM-based devices in data centers, telecommunications, or industrial control systems may experience unexpected reboots or downtime. The vulnerability could affect system stability during reboot cycles or firmware updates, potentially impacting availability of services. While no direct confidentiality or integrity compromise is indicated, the loss of availability can have cascading effects on business operations, especially for sectors relying on high uptime and real-time processing. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to avoid service interruptions. European entities using ARM-based Linux servers or embedded devices in critical roles should be aware of this issue and plan for timely patching to maintain operational continuity.

To mitigate CVE-2024-53157, organizations should: 1) Identify all Linux systems running on ARM architectures that utilize SCPI firmware for DVFS, particularly those with kernel versions prior to the patch commit. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that validate the OPP count returned by the firmware before dereferencing pointers, ensuring the kernel gracefully handles zero OPP counts without crashing. 3) Test kernel updates in controlled environments to confirm stability and compatibility with existing hardware and firmware. 4) Monitor system logs for signs of kernel panics or SCPI-related errors, especially during reboot or firmware update cycles. 5) Coordinate with hardware vendors, especially those providing ARM-based platforms like Phytium, to obtain firmware updates or guidance on mitigating this issue. 6) Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime in case of unexpected crashes. 7) Consider deploying kernel crash monitoring and automated reboot mechanisms to reduce service disruption. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on firmware interaction, hardware-specific considerations, and operational continuity planning.