CVE-2024-54193 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the accel/ivpu subsystem, which relates to the Intel Vision Processing Unit (IVPU) driver. The issue arises from improper handling of runtime power management states during inter-process communication (IPC) operations within the ivpu_ipc_send_receive_internal() function. The vulnerability was addressed by moving the pm_runtime_set_active() call to the ivpu_pm_init() function. This change ensures that when ivpu_ipc_send_receive_internal() is executed before ivpu_pm_enable(), the runtime power management state is correctly set, even if the last resume operation was unsuccessful. Without this fix, the system could encounter a WARN condition (a kernel warning) due to inconsistent runtime PM states, potentially leading to instability or unexpected behavior in the IVPU driver. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability could cause kernel warnings or crashes under specific conditions related to power management and IPC in the IVPU driver. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability's impact and exploitability have not been fully assessed or publicly scored yet.

For European organizations relying on Linux systems with Intel IVPU hardware, particularly those using advanced vision processing capabilities (e.g., in embedded systems, IoT devices, or specialized computing environments), this vulnerability could lead to system instability or crashes. Such disruptions could affect critical applications in sectors like manufacturing automation, automotive systems, healthcare devices, or telecommunications infrastructure. While the vulnerability does not currently have known exploits, the potential for kernel warnings or crashes could degrade system reliability and availability, impacting operational continuity. Organizations with large-scale Linux deployments or those using IVPU-enabled devices may face increased maintenance overhead and risk of downtime if the vulnerability is triggered. Additionally, the lack of a known exploit does not preclude future exploitation attempts, especially as attackers often target kernel-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges or cause denial of service.

Organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-54193 once they become available in their distribution's kernel updates. Specifically, updating to a Linux kernel version that includes the fix moving pm_runtime_set_active() to ivpu_pm_init() is critical. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, administrators should monitor kernel logs for WARN messages related to ivpu_ipc_send_receive_internal() and consider temporarily disabling or limiting the use of IVPU features if possible. Additionally, maintaining robust kernel logging and monitoring can help detect any anomalous behavior linked to this vulnerability. Testing updates in staging environments before production deployment is recommended to ensure compatibility and stability. Finally, organizations should maintain an inventory of devices using IVPU hardware to prioritize patching and risk assessment efforts.