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CVE Record

CVE-2020-36778: i2c: xiic: fix reference leak when pm_runtime_get_sync fails

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: i2c: xiic: fix reference leak when pm_runtime_get_sync fails The PM reference count is not expected to be incremented on return in xiic_xfer and xiic_i2c_remove. However, pm_runtime_get_sync will increment the PM reference count even failed. Forgetting to putting operation will result in a reference leak here. Replace it with pm_runtime_resume_and_get to keep usage counter balanced.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2020-36778 is a Linux kernel bug in the Xilinx XIIC I2C driver. When a power-management resume call fails, the driver can leave a runtime power reference count unbalanced. The available sources do not provide CVSS, confirmed impact severity, or active exploitation evidence.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted Linux kernel maintenance item unless affected Xilinx XIIC hardware is common in critical systems. The urgency is lower than internet-facing exploited vulnerabilities, but kernel fixes should be folded into normal patch cycles.

Technical view

The issue is a reference leak in xiic_xfer and xiic_i2c_remove caused by pm_runtime_get_sync incrementing the PM usage counter even on failure. The fix replaces it with pm_runtime_resume_and_get to keep the counter balanced. Source data lists affected Linux kernel versions and stable kernel commits.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using affected kernels with the Xilinx XIIC I2C controller driver present or active. Systems without that driver or hardware are less likely to be exposed. Distribution backports may change effective exposure.

Exploitation context

No KEV listing is present, and the source bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation or public weaponization. The described condition depends on runtime power-management failure paths in the xiic driver, not a remote network-facing interface.

Researcher notes

The evidence supports a runtime PM reference leak, but not broader impact claims. Validate against actual kernel source or vendor backport status because distribution kernels may carry the fix without matching upstream version numbers.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a Linux kernel or distribution package containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Ask vendors to confirm whether supported kernels include the xiic PM reference leak backport.
  • Prioritize systems using Xilinx XIIC I2C hardware or loading the xiic driver.
  • Track Linux distribution advisories for fixed builds and reboot requirements.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory deployed Linux kernel versions against the CVE record's affected versions.
  • Check whether the xiic driver is built, loaded, or used by platform hardware.
  • Confirm the deployed kernel includes a referenced stable commit or vendor backport.
  • Review operational telemetry for recurring I2C or runtime power-management failures.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2020-36778 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
5Source links

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: partial

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CVECVE Program Container
CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux10b17004a74c384c6f410af355b0d6d7a168f613, 10b17004a74c384c6f410af355b0d6d7a168f613, 10b17004a74c384c6f410af355b0d6d7a168f613, 10b17004a74c384c6f410af355b0d6d7a168f613unaffected
LinuxLinux5.6, 0, 5.10.37, 5.11.21, 5.12.4, 5.13affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.