CVE-2026-72142: i2c: imx: fix locked bus on SMBus block-read of 0 (atomic)
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
i2c: imx: fix locked bus on SMBus block-read of 0 (atomic)
SMBus 3.1 6.5.7 allows a Block Read byte count of 0, but the atomic (polling) path rejects it as -EPROTO. Worse, it returns without a NACK+STOP: the next receive cycle has already started, so the target keeps holding SDA and the bus stays stuck until a power cycle for this i2c controller.
Reading I2DR to obtain the count likewise arms the next byte on the count > I2CSMBUSBLOCKMAX path, which also returned -EPROTO directly and left the bus held.
Handle both: NACK the in-flight dummy byte (TXAK) and extend msgs->len so the existing last-byte handling emits STOP; the dummy byte is discarded. A count of 0 is a valid empty block read; a count above I2CSMBUSBLOCKMAX is still reported as -EPROTO, but only after the bus has been released.
The interrupt-driven path has the same flaw from a later commit and is fixed separately, as it carries a different Fixes: tag and stable range.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Linux kernel i2c: imxto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch NACK+STOP: the next receive cycle has already started, so the target - Compensating control
If affected by the locked SDA/bus-stuck behavior on SMBus block-read of 0, treat the issue as requiring a power cycle to recover the I2C controller until patched.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72142?
CVE-2026-72142 has a risk severity rating of 20.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72142?
To fix CVE-2026-72142, ensure you update to the latest Linux kernel where the vulnerability has been addressed.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72142?
CVE-2026-72142 affects systems running the Linux kernel that utilize the SMBus protocol.
What could happen if I don't address CVE-2026-72142?
Neglecting to address CVE-2026-72142 could lead to a locked bus state during SMBus operations, impacting system performance.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-72142?
Currently, there are no known workarounds for CVE-2026-72142 other than applying the patch provided in kernel updates.