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CVE Record

CVE-2020-36783: i2c: img-scb: fix reference leak when pm_runtime_get_sync fails

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: i2c: img-scb: fix reference leak when pm_runtime_get_sync fails The PM reference count is not expected to be incremented on return in functions img_i2c_xfer and img_i2c_init. 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

This is a Linux kernel driver bug that can leave a power-management reference stuck after an error. Affected systems using the img-scb I2C controller driver may waste resources or behave incorrectly. The sources do not provide CVSS, practical impact, or an attack path, so urgency depends on whether the vulnerable driver and kernel are present.

Executive priority

Handle through normal kernel maintenance unless asset inventory shows affected embedded or hardware-specific Linux systems using this driver. There is no sourced evidence of exploitation or severe business impact, but kernel fixes should not be deferred indefinitely.

Technical view

The img-scb I2C driver used pm_runtime_get_sync in img_i2c_xfer and img_i2c_init. That call can increment the runtime PM usage counter even when it fails, causing a reference leak if not balanced. The kernel fix replaces it with pm_runtime_resume_and_get. CVSS, CWE, and impact details are not provided.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernel builds with the img-scb I2C driver present and relevant hardware enabled. The source lists Linux kernel versions and stable commits, but does not identify distributions, appliances, or cloud images.

Exploitation context

The provided bundle says this CVE is not in KEV and gives no evidence of active exploitation. It also provides no public exploit status, attacker prerequisites, or remotely reachable attack path. Treat exploitation context as incomplete.

Researcher notes

Evidence supports a runtime PM reference leak in the Linux img-scb I2C driver. The bundle names functions and fix approach but lacks CVSS, CWE, exploitability analysis, and downstream vendor mapping. Avoid broad exposure claims without confirming driver usage and patched kernel lineage.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced stable fix.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for package-specific fixed kernel versions.
  • For custom kernels, confirm the img-scb fix is backported.
  • Prioritize systems where the img-scb I2C driver is enabled or required.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected assets.
  • Identify systems with the img-scb I2C driver built or loaded.
  • Verify kernel source or changelog includes the referenced stable fix.
  • Check vendor advisory status before marking distribution packages remediated.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2020-36783 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
6Source 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

CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
CVECVE Program Container

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux93222bd9b966105f43418fd336654ad10045783a, 93222bd9b966105f43418fd336654ad10045783a, 93222bd9b966105f43418fd336654ad10045783a, 93222bd9b966105f43418fd336654ad10045783a, 93222bd9b966105f43418fd336654ad10045783aunaffected
LinuxLinux4.15, 0, 5.4.119, 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.