CVE-2025-38335
Description
From CVE.org
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: Input: gpio-keys - fix a sleep while atomic with PREEMPT_RT When enabling PREEMPT_RT, the gpio_keys_irq_timer() callback runs in hard irq context, but the input_event() takes a spin_lock, which isn't allowed there as it is converted to a rt_spin_lock(). [ 4054.289999] BUG: sleeping function called from invalid context at kernel/locking/spinlock_rt.c:48 [ 4054.290028] in_atomic(): 1, irqs_disabled(): 1, non_block: 0, pid: 0, name: swapper/0 ... [ 4054.290195] __might_resched+0x13c/0x1f4 [ 4054.290209] rt_spin_lock+0x54/0x11c [ 4054.290219] input_event+0x48/0x80 [ 4054.290230] gpio_keys_irq_timer+0x4c/0x78 [ 4054.290243] __hrtimer_run_queues+0x1a4/0x438 [ 4054.290257] hrtimer_interrupt+0xe4/0x240 [ 4054.290269] arch_timer_handler_phys+0x2c/0x44 [ 4054.290283] handle_percpu_devid_irq+0x8c/0x14c [ 4054.290297] handle_irq_desc+0x40/0x58 [ 4054.290307] generic_handle_domain_irq+0x1c/0x28 [ 4054.290316] gic_handle_irq+0x44/0xcc Considering the gpio_keys_irq_isr() can run in any context, e.g. it can be threaded, it seems there's no point in requesting the timer isr to run in hard irq context. Relax the hrtimer not to use the hard context.
Statement
The gpio_keys_irq_timer() function in the Linux kernel's gpio-keys driver was calling input_event() from hard interrupt context when PREEMPT_RT is enabled. This results in a crash due to rt_spin_lock() being invoked in an atomic context, violating real-time locking constraints. The fix replaces HRTIMER_MODE_REL_HARD with HRTIMER_MODE_REL to avoid executing the timer callback in hard IRQ context. Exploiting this issue or even reaching the vulnerable path requires privileged access - typically root - to load or manipulate the GPIO input subsystem (e.g., by configuring key handlers, loading drivers, or triggering specific hardware timers). Therefore, the Privileges Required should be marked High for the CVSS.
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 | 4.4 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | High | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity,Confidentiality,Other
Technical Impact: Modify Application Data; Read Application Data; Alter Execution Logic
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