CVE-2024-36898 – A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's GPIO char... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-36898?

CVE-2024-36898 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's GPIO character device driver allows reading uninitialized memory when a GPIO line is configured with software debouncing and then reconfigured for edge detection. This affects systems using GPIO lines with specific configuration sequences, potentially exposing kernel memory contents to userspace applications.

📋 TL;DR

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's GPIO character device driver allows reading uninitialized memory when a GPIO line is configured with software debouncing and then reconfigured for edge detection. This affects systems using GPIO lines with specific configuration sequences, potentially exposing kernel memory contents to userspace applications.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel

Versions: Specific affected versions not explicitly stated in CVE, but patches target stable kernel branches.

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using vulnerable kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ✅ No

Notes: Requires GPIO character device access and specific configuration sequence (software debounce followed by edge detection configuration).

📦 What is this software?

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

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Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Kernel memory disclosure leading to information leakage that could aid privilege escalation or bypass kernel security mechanisms.

🟠

Likely Case

Information disclosure of kernel memory contents to userspace applications, potentially exposing sensitive data or system state.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper access controls restricting GPIO device access to trusted users only.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local system access and specific GPIO configuration.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local users with GPIO access could exploit this for information disclosure.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and ability to configure GPIO lines with specific sequences. Not a remote code execution vulnerability.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel branches (commits referenced in CVE)

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1a51e24404d77bb3307c1e39eee0d8e86febb1a5

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict GPIO device access

linux

Limit access to GPIO character devices to trusted users only

chmod 600 /dev/gpiochip*
setfacl -m u:trusteduser:rw- /dev/gpiochip*

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict GPIO character device access to minimal necessary users
Monitor for unusual GPIO configuration patterns or access attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and if GPIO character device interface is enabled and accessible

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or is newer than patched versions

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual GPIO configuration sequences
Multiple GPIO edge detection setup attempts

Network Indicators:

Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

Process accessing /dev/gpiochip* with configuration changes

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-36898

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-908

Published: May 30, 2024

Last Updated: September 18, 2025

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export

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