Critical Clock Management Issue in Linux Kernel Affecting System Stability

CVE-2025-38633

What is CVE-2025-38633?

A significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel relates to improper clock management, specifically affecting the pll1_d8 clock. This clock, crucial for the operation of numerous subsystems including APB and AXI buses, inadvertently disabled itself due to a mishandling of a reset controller request. When the clock became disabled, it triggered a cascade effect leading to system hangs as parent clocks reduced their enable counts. By marking the pll1_d8 clock as critical, this issue was resolved, averting potential system instability.

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