In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
clk: Fix clk_core_get NULL dereference
It is possible for clk_core_get to dereference a NULL in the following
sequence:
clk_core_get()
of_clk_get_hw_from_clkspec()
__of_clk_get_hw_from_provider()
__clk_get_hw()
__clk_get_hw() can return NULL which is dereferenced by clk_core_get() at
hw->core.
Prior to commit dde4eff47c82 ("clk: Look for parents with clkdev based
clk_lookups") the check IS_ERR_OR_NULL() was performed which would have
caught the NULL.
Reading the description of this function it talks about returning NULL but
that cannot be so at the moment.
Update the function to check for hw before dereferencing it and return NULL
if hw is NULL.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-27038 is a Linux kernel bug where clock-management code can dereference a missing object. In practical terms, affected systems may be exposed to kernel instability or denial of service if the vulnerable path is reachable. The sources do not provide CVSS, attack prerequisites, or evidence of active exploitation.
Executive priority
Address through normal kernel patch management, with higher priority for embedded, industrial, or high-availability systems. There is no cited active exploitation, but kernel crash risk can still create operational disruption.
Technical view
The flaw is in clk_core_get(). __clk_get_hw() can return NULL through the clock provider lookup path, and clk_core_get() dereferenced hw->core without checking. Stable kernel commits add the missing NULL check and return NULL when no clock hardware object is available.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions or vendor products that include them. The bundle lists Linux as affected and includes Debian LTS and Siemens references, but does not identify all downstream products or reachable configurations.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is cited, and KEV status is false. The provided record does not describe remote attackability, privileges required, or a public exploit. Treat this primarily as a kernel availability and stability risk until vendor advisories provide more detail.
Researcher notes
The record ties the regression to commit dde4eff47c82 and restores prior IS_ERR_OR_NULL-style behavior by checking hw before dereference. Evidence is patch-level; exploitability, configuration dependency, and impact severity are not fully specified in the supplied sources.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the stable clk fix.
Apply Debian, Siemens, or other platform-specific security updates where applicable.
For appliances, request firmware guidance from the device vendor.
Prioritize systems where kernel crashes would affect safety or uptime.
Track vendor advisories because source impact details are incomplete.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions across servers, appliances, and embedded devices.
Compare kernel builds against vendor advisories and listed stable fix commits.
Confirm distribution packages include the clk NULL-check patch.
Review affected Siemens or other device advisories for product-specific exposure.
Monitor logs for kernel oops or panic events involving clock framework paths.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CVE-2024-27038 mapping review
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