In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
platform/chrome: cros_ec_uart: properly fix race condition
The cros_ec_uart_probe() function calls devm_serdev_device_open() before
it calls serdev_device_set_client_ops(). This can trigger a NULL pointer
dereference:
BUG: kernel NULL pointer dereference, address: 0000000000000000
...
Call Trace:
<TASK>
...
? ttyport_receive_buf
A simplified version of crashing code is as follows:
static inline size_t serdev_controller_receive_buf(struct serdev_controller *ctrl,
const u8 *data,
size_t count)
{
struct serdev_device *serdev = ctrl->serdev;
if (!serdev || !serdev->ops->receive_buf) // CRASH!
return 0;
return serdev->ops->receive_buf(serdev, data, count);
}
It assumes that if SERPORT_ACTIVE is set and serdev exists, serdev->ops
will also exist. This conflicts with the existing cros_ec_uart_probe()
logic, as it first calls devm_serdev_device_open() (which sets
SERPORT_ACTIVE), and only later sets serdev->ops via
serdev_device_set_client_ops().
Commit 01f95d42b8f4 ("platform/chrome: cros_ec_uart: fix race
condition") attempted to fix a similar race condition, but while doing
so, made the window of error for this race condition to happen much
wider.
Attempt to fix the race condition again, making sure we fully setup
before calling devm_serdev_device_open().
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel reliability flaw in the ChromeOS embedded controller UART driver. During device setup, the driver can open communication before its receive handler is installed, creating a race that may crash the kernel through a null pointer dereference. Business impact is most likely availability loss on affected systems using this driver.
Executive priority
Handle through normal kernel patch management, with higher priority for fleets where affected ChromeOS EC UART hardware is present. There is no cited active exploitation, but a kernel crash risk can still affect device availability and operational reliability.
Technical view
cros_ec_uart_probe() called devm_serdev_device_open() before serdev_device_set_client_ops(). Opening sets SERPORT_ACTIVE, so receive handling may run while serdev->ops is still null. The resolved fix moves setup before open. The source indicates a NULL pointer dereference path through serdev_controller_receive_buf() and ttyport_receive_buf.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux kernels with the cros_ec_uart driver path present and active, commonly relevant to ChromeOS embedded controller UART configurations. The bundle lists Linux kernel versions including 6.3, 6.6.28, 6.8.7, and 6.9 as affected, but does not provide complete distribution package mappings.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not show KEV listing, public exploitation, exploit code, or an attacker-controlled trigger. The described failure is a race during probe that can cause a kernel NULL pointer dereference. Treat exploitation status as unproven and impact as likely denial of service based only on cited evidence.
Researcher notes
The key bug is initialization ordering: SERPORT_ACTIVE can be set before serdev client ops exist. The earlier commit 01f95d42b8f4 reportedly widened the race window. The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, complete affected range semantics, and distribution-specific fixed package data.
Mitigation direction
Update to a Linux kernel build containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check your Linux distributor advisory for the backported CVE-2024-35977 fix.
Prioritize systems using ChromeOS EC over UART or cros_ec_uart.
If no vendor package is available, follow vendor kernel guidance before applying custom patches.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions on systems with ChromeOS EC UART hardware paths.
Check kernel package changelogs for CVE-2024-35977 or the referenced stable commits.
Confirm whether cros_ec_uart is built, loaded, or used on target systems.
Review kernel logs for NULL pointer dereferences involving ttyport_receive_buf or cros_ec_uart.
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-2024-35977 mapping review
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