Fixing a Sneaky uname Bug in Apache NuttX RTOS: Static Variables Strike Back
2025-01-21
This post details the debugging journey of a seemingly minor bug in the Apache NuttX RTOS's `uname` command. The initial problem: the commit hash was missing from the output. The investigation led down a rabbit hole, involving inspecting the kernel image, calling `uname` at kernel startup, and disassembling the application. The culprit? A broken static variable (`g_version`) responsible for storing the commit hash within NuttX applications. This unexpected behavior highlighted the importance of thorough debugging in embedded systems, emphasizing that even minor anomalies can signal deeper, more serious issues.
Development
bug fix