Linux Kernel ACPI CPPC NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ACPI CPPC implementation can lead to a NULL pointer dereference. This issue occurs when the 'nosmp' option is used, preventing other CPUs from initializing and leaving their 'cpc_desc_ptr' NULL. As a result, the first CPU's iteration through available CPUs dereferences these NULL pointers, causing a kernel panic.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability leads to a kernel panic, causing the system to become unresponsive and potentially disrupting critical processes.