CVE-2024-57809 addresses a vulnerability in the Linux kernel specifically affecting the suspend/resume functionality on the i.MX6QDL platform, a system-on-chip commonly used in embedded devices. The issue arises from improper handling of PCIe device states during suspend and resume cycles, as documented in the NXP errata ERR005723. The vulnerability causes the kernel to hang and produce errors when resuming from suspend if a PCIe device is connected. For example, the ath10k wireless driver fails to change the power state of the device from D3hot to D0, resulting in device inaccessibility and kernel faults. The root cause is that the suspend/resume sequence on i.MX6QDL does not properly reset the PCIe device, unlike other i.MX platforms where a reset is performed to maintain device stability. This patch aligns the i.MX6QDL suspend/resume sequence with other i.MX devices by sharing most of their sequences and adding a reset of the connected PCIe device where possible. This fix prevents driver crashes and kernel hangs on resume, improving system stability. The vulnerability does not appear to be exploited in the wild yet and affects Linux kernel versions identified by specific commits. It is a platform-specific hardware interaction flaw rather than a traditional software security exploit, but it can cause denial of service due to system hangs during power state transitions.

For European organizations using embedded systems or industrial devices based on the i.MX6QDL platform running Linux, this vulnerability can lead to system instability and denial of service during suspend/resume operations. This is particularly impactful for sectors relying on embedded Linux devices with PCIe peripherals, such as industrial automation, telecommunications infrastructure, automotive systems, and IoT deployments. A failure in suspend/resume can cause device downtime, disrupt critical operations, and increase maintenance costs. While it does not directly lead to data breaches or privilege escalation, the inability to properly manage power states can degrade device reliability and availability. Organizations with remote or distributed embedded devices may face challenges in managing firmware updates or device resets if the system hangs on resume. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed to maintain operational continuity and avoid potential cascading failures in complex systems.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Apply the official Linux kernel patch that corrects the suspend/resume sequence on i.MX6QDL platforms, ensuring the PCIe device reset is performed on resume. 2) Update embedded device firmware and Linux kernel versions to include this fix as soon as stable releases are available. 3) Test suspend/resume functionality thoroughly in controlled environments before deploying updates to production devices to confirm stability. 4) For devices that cannot be updated immediately, consider disabling suspend/resume features or avoid using PCIe peripherals that trigger the issue until patched. 5) Monitor kernel logs for errors related to PCIe power state transitions and device crashes to detect unpatched systems. 6) Coordinate with hardware vendors and device manufacturers to ensure timely delivery of patched kernel versions and firmware updates. 7) Implement robust device management and remote recovery mechanisms to handle potential device hangs or crashes caused by this issue.