CVE-2024-50021

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ice: Fix improper handling of refcount in icedpllinitrclkpins()

This patch addresses a reference count handling issue in the icedpllinitrclkpins() function. The function calls icedpllgetpins(), which increments the reference count of the relevant resources. However, if the condition WARNON((!vsi || !vsi->netdev)) is met, the function currently returns an error without properly releasing the resources acquired by icedpllget_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.