CVE-2025-71193
Description
From CVE.org
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: phy: qcom-qusb2: Fix NULL pointer dereference on early suspend Enabling runtime PM before attaching the QPHY instance as driver data can lead to a NULL pointer dereference in runtime PM callbacks that expect valid driver data. There is a small window where the suspend callback may run after PM runtime enabling and before runtime forbid. This causes a sporadic crash during boot: ``` Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at virtual address 00000000000000a1 [...] CPU: 0 UID: 0 PID: 11 Comm: kworker/0:1 Not tainted 6.16.7+ #116 PREEMPT Workqueue: pm pm_runtime_work pstate: 20000005 (nzCv daif -PAN -UAO -TCO -DIT -SSBS BTYPE=--) pc : qusb2_phy_runtime_suspend+0x14/0x1e0 [phy_qcom_qusb2] lr : pm_generic_runtime_suspend+0x2c/0x44 [...] ``` Attach the QPHY instance as driver data before enabling runtime PM to prevent NULL pointer dereference in runtime PM callbacks. Reorder pm_runtime_enable() and pm_runtime_forbid() to prevent a short window where an unnecessary runtime suspend can occur. Use the devres-managed version to ensure PM runtime is symmetrically disabled during driver removal for proper cleanup.
Statement
A race condition in the Qualcomm QUSB2 PHY driver can trigger a NULL pointer dereference in runtime PM callbacks during early boot or suspend. The probe path enabled runtime PM before attaching the QPHY instance via dev_set_drvdata. There is a small timing window where pm runtime work can invoke qusb2_phy_runtime_suspend while driver data is still unset. In that case the callback dereferences a NULL pointer and the kernel crashes. The issue is sporadic and depends on scheduling and timing. It has been observed as a boot time crash in the pm_runtime_work context. For the CVSS the PR is N because the crash can occur during normal driver initialization without any explicit user interaction. In practice, reliably triggering the window may be easier with local control over runtime PM state via sysfs or device activity. The impact is availability only because the fault leads to a kernel panic and system reboot.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.1 | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | N/A |
| Privileges Required | None | N/A | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
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