CVE-2024-50021: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: Fix improper handling of refcount in ice_dpll_init_rclk

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: Fix improper handling of refcount in ice_dpll_init_rclk_pins() This patch addresses a

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: Fix improper handling of refcount in ice_dpll_init_rclk_pins() This patch addresses a reference count handling issue in the ice_dpll_init_rclk_pins() function. The function calls ice_dpll_get_pins(), which increments the reference count of the relevant resources. However, if the condition WARN_ON((!vsi || !vsi->netdev)) is met, the function currently returns an error without properly releasing the resources acquired by ice_dpll_get_pins(), leading to a reference count leak. To resolve this, the check has been moved to the top of the function. This ensures that the function verifies the state before any resources are acquired, avoiding the need for additional resource management in the error path. This bug was identified by an experimental static analysis tool developed by our team. The tool specializes in analyzing reference count operations and detecting potential issues where resources are not properly managed. In this case, the tool flagged the missing release operation as a potential problem, which led to the development of this patch.

Description from the National Vulnerability Database, published by 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

What it means for a small business

Linux is on the computers, phones or browsers your team uses every day. Turn on automatic updates and restart: most of these fixes only take effect after a restart.

How likely is an attack? The Exploit Prediction Scoring System, run by FIRST (the global association of security response teams), puts the odds of this one being exploited in the next 30 days at 0.21%, higher than 10% of CVEs. That’s low, but low isn’t zero, and the odds jump the day someone publishes an exploit. Scored November 9, 2026, updated daily.

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Sources

Part of the Huttenlocher Technologies vulnerability database, refreshed twice a day from CISA and the NVD. The title, category and plain-language guidance are ours; check the linked record before acting on a detail. This is general guidance, not a review of your systems.

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