CVE-2024-57953 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Real-Time Clock (RTC) driver for the TPS6594 device. The issue arises from an integer overflow in the function tps6594_rtc_set_offset(), specifically during the multiplication of an offset value by a constant TICKS_PER_HOUR. The offset is a signed long integer with a range approximately between -277,774 and 277,774, while TICKS_PER_HOUR is a large constant value calculated as 32768 * 3600, roughly 100 million. On 32-bit systems, where a long integer can hold values up to around two billion, multiplying the offset by TICKS_PER_HOUR can exceed this limit, causing an integer overflow. This overflow can lead to incorrect calculations of the RTC offset, potentially resulting in erroneous time settings or system behavior dependent on accurate timekeeping. The vulnerability is specific to 32-bit Linux kernel systems using the TPS6594 RTC driver. The suggested fix involves changing the data type of TICKS_PER_HOUR to a 64-bit long long integer to prevent overflow during multiplication. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could affect systems running 32-bit Linux kernels with the TPS6594 RTC driver, which may be present in embedded devices, industrial control systems, or legacy infrastructure. The impact primarily concerns the integrity and availability of system timekeeping. Incorrect RTC offsets can lead to time drift, which may disrupt scheduled tasks, logging accuracy, cryptographic operations, and time-sensitive applications. In critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, or transportation, where embedded Linux devices are common, this could cause operational disruptions or complicate forensic investigations. However, the vulnerability does not directly expose confidentiality or allow remote code execution. The absence of known exploits and the requirement for specific hardware and kernel configurations limit the immediate risk. Nonetheless, organizations relying on affected devices should consider the potential for indirect impacts on system stability and reliability.

European organizations should first identify whether their infrastructure includes 32-bit Linux systems utilizing the TPS6594 RTC driver. This can be done by auditing device inventories and kernel configurations. Applying the official Linux kernel patches that address this integer overflow is the primary mitigation step. If patching is not immediately feasible, organizations should consider isolating affected devices from critical networks to reduce risk exposure. Monitoring system logs for abnormal time adjustments or RTC-related errors can help detect exploitation attempts or malfunction. For embedded or legacy devices where kernel updates are challenging, consider vendor support or device replacement plans. Additionally, implementing strict change management and ensuring accurate time synchronization through external NTP servers can help mitigate the impact of incorrect RTC offsets.