diff --git a/kernel/cpu.c b/kernel/cpu.c
index 3c9ee966c56a..008b50da2224 100644
--- a/kernel/cpu.c
+++ b/kernel/cpu.c
@@ -2231,8 +2231,10 @@ static ssize_t write_cpuhp_target(struct device *dev,
 
 	if (st->state < target)
 		ret = cpu_up(dev->id, target);
-	else
+	else if (st->state > target)
 		ret = cpu_down(dev->id, target);
+	else if (WARN_ON(st->target != target))
+		st->target = target;
 out:
 	unlock_device_hotplug();
 	return ret ? ret : count;