Preface: In the concept of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT) shall be used for the development of so-called smart products.

Background: The GPIO driver provides an interface for user-space applications and kernel modules to access and control the GPIO pins. It abstracts the hardware details, making it easier for developers to write code that interacts with the GPIOs without needing to know the specifics of the underlying hardware.

GPIO pins on hardware are often used in automation. They can be programmed to control various devices and systems, such as:

•       Home automation: Controlling lights, fans, and other appliances.

•       Industrial automation: Managing machinery, sensors, and actuators in manufacturing processes.

•       Robotics: Operating motors, servos, and sensors to control robot movements and actions.

•       IoT (Internet of Things): Connecting and controlling smart devices and sensors.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems can use GPIO pins. SCADA systems are designed to monitor and control industrial processes and infrastructure, and they often interface with various sensors and actuators. GPIO pins can be used in SCADA systems to:

•       Read digital inputs: Such as switches, sensors, and other binary devices.

•       Control digital outputs: Like relays, LEDs, and other on/off devices.

•       Interface with analog inputs/outputs: Through additional circuitry or modules that convert analog signals to digital and vice versa.

For example, GPIO pins can be used to monitor the status of a machine, control the operation of a valve, or read data from a temperature sensor.

Vulnerability details: Linux Kernel Vulnerability in Xilinx GPIO Locking Mechanism.

Official Announcement – please see the link for details – https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-21684