CVE-2024-26847: powerpc/rtas: use correct function name for resetting TCE tables
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
powerpc/rtas: use correct function name for resetting TCE tables
The PAPR spec spells the function name as
"ibm,reset-pe-dma-windows"
but in practice firmware uses the singular form:
"ibm,reset-pe-dma-window"
in the device tree. Since we have the wrong spelling in the RTAS
function table, reverse lookups (token -> name) fail and warn:
unexpected failed lookup for token 86
WARNING: CPU: 1 PID: 545 at arch/powerpc/kernel/rtas.c:659 __do_enter_rtas_trace+0x2a4/0x2b4
CPU: 1 PID: 545 Comm: systemd-udevd Not tainted 6.8.0-rc4 #30
Hardware name: IBM,9105-22A POWER10 (raw) 0x800200 0xf000006 of:IBM,FW1060.00 (NL1060_028) hv:phyp pSeries
NIP [c0000000000417f0] __do_enter_rtas_trace+0x2a4/0x2b4
LR [c0000000000417ec] __do_enter_rtas_trace+0x2a0/0x2b4
Call Trace:
__do_enter_rtas_trace+0x2a0/0x2b4 (unreliable)
rtas_call+0x1f8/0x3e0
enable_ddw.constprop.0+0x4d0/0xc84
dma_iommu_dma_supported+0xe8/0x24c
dma_set_mask+0x5c/0xd8
mlx5_pci_init.constprop.0+0xf0/0x46c [mlx5_core]
probe_one+0xfc/0x32c [mlx5_core]
local_pci_probe+0x68/0x12c
pci_call_probe+0x68/0x1ec
pci_device_probe+0xbc/0x1a8
really_probe+0x104/0x570
__driver_probe_device+0xb8/0x224
driver_probe_device+0x54/0x130
__driver_attach+0x158/0x2b0
bus_for_each_dev+0xa8/0x120
driver_attach+0x34/0x48
bus_add_driver+0x174/0x304
driver_register+0x8c/0x1c4
__pci_register_driver+0x68/0x7c
mlx5_init+0xb8/0x118 [mlx5_core]
do_one_initcall+0x60/0x388
do_init_module+0x7c/0x2a4
init_module_from_file+0xb4/0x108
idempotent_init_module+0x184/0x34c
sys_finit_module+0x90/0x114
And oopses are possible when lockdep is enabled or the RTAS
tracepoints are active, since those paths dereference the result of
the lookup.
Use the correct spelling to match firmware's behavior, adjusting the
related constants to match.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel availability issue on specific IBM PowerPC RTAS environments. A misspelled firmware function name can cause warnings and possible kernel oops conditions when certain tracing or lock-debug paths are active. It is not described as exposing data or enabling remote compromise.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted operational stability issue, not a broad internet-facing emergency. Prioritize patching for IBM Power systems where unexpected kernel oopses could affect critical workloads.
Technical view
The kernel RTAS function table used the PAPR plural name instead of firmware’s singular device-tree name for resetting PE DMA windows. Token-to-name reverse lookups can fail, and paths such as lockdep or RTAS tracepoints may dereference the failed lookup result, causing an oops.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux on PowerPC/pSeries systems using RTAS firmware behavior matching the source description. The affected metadata names Linux 6.3, 6.6.21, 6.7.9, and 6.8, but the source bundle does not provide complete distribution package mapping.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not in KEV, and the supplied sources do not state active exploitation. The issue is local, high-complexity, and availability-focused, with no cited confidentiality or integrity impact.
Researcher notes
The key bug is a name mismatch between the RTAS table and firmware device tree behavior. The public description supports availability impact only. Affected-version metadata is not enough to map every downstream kernel package without vendor advisories.
Mitigation direction
Apply the relevant stable Linux kernel fix from vendor or distribution channels.
Prioritize PowerPC/pSeries hosts with RTAS tracepoints or lockdep enabled.
Check distribution advisories for exact fixed package versions.
Avoid assuming x86 or non-RTAS Linux systems are exposed without vendor evidence.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux hosts running on IBM PowerPC/pSeries hardware.
Confirm kernel versions against vendor advisories and the listed stable commits.
Review kernel logs for RTAS lookup warnings or related oops events.
Check whether RTAS tracepoints or lockdep are enabled in affected environments.
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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Credential and access behavior lookup
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