diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
index d694255797d67..1abdffc9f4046 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@
  */
 
 up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV6M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_vectors.c b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_vectors.c
index b30cd346a5b6d..760c1fca89d96 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_vectors.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/arm_vectors.c
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ extern void exception_common(void);
  * Note that the [ ... ] desginated initialiser is a GCC extension.
  */
 
-unsigned _vectors[] __attribute__((section(".vectors"))) =
+unsigned _vectors[] locate_data(".vectors") =
 {
   /* Initial stack */
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/ram_vectors.h b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/ram_vectors.h
index 28cfc6d0217a1..9bf132b34c677 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/ram_vectors.h
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv6-m/ram_vectors.h
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@
  */
 
 extern up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV6M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(128);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(128);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Function Prototypes
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
index a255d26ceada5..d4ba3fcb7f125 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@
  */
 
 up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV7M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_vectors.c b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_vectors.c
index 248285a5f782c..36bdfb8075efe 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_vectors.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/arm_vectors.c
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ extern void exception_common(void);
  * Note that the [ ... ] designated initializer is a GCC extension.
  */
 
-unsigned _vectors[] __attribute__((section(".vectors"))) =
+unsigned _vectors[] locate_data(".vectors") =
 {
   /* Initial stack */
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/ram_vectors.h b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/ram_vectors.h
index 5031cab5fc5ca..9ed7ae63bcb83 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/ram_vectors.h
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv7-m/ram_vectors.h
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
  */
 
 extern up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV7M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(128);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(128);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Function Prototypes
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
index ab85e769977ee..9d00e9f13fc9b 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_ramvec_initialize.c
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@
  */
 
 up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV8M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(RAMVEC_ALIGN);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_vectors.c b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_vectors.c
index a2fbb1d968d73..4ca24420ee8bb 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_vectors.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/arm_vectors.c
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ extern void exception_common(void);
  * Note that the [ ... ] designated initializer is a GCC extension.
  */
 
-unsigned _vectors[] __attribute__((section(".vectors"))) =
+unsigned _vectors[] locate_data(".vectors") =
 {
   /* Initial stack */
 
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/ram_vectors.h b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/ram_vectors.h
index 8856567d7d05a..cd61140773613 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/ram_vectors.h
+++ b/arch/arm/src/armv8-m/ram_vectors.h
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
  */
 
 extern up_vector_t g_ram_vectors[ARMV8M_VECTAB_SIZE]
-  __attribute__ ((section (".ram_vectors"))) aligned_data(128);
+  locate_data(".ram_vectors") aligned_data(128);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Function Prototypes
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/kinetis/kinetis_cfmconfig.c b/arch/arm/src/kinetis/kinetis_cfmconfig.c
index 0bac66e5da726..402b42b339c59 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/kinetis/kinetis_cfmconfig.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/kinetis/kinetis_cfmconfig.c
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__ ((section(".cfmconfig")))
+locate_data(".cfmconfig")
 const uint8_t __flashconfigbytes[16] =
 {
   0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff, 0xff,
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/kl/kl_cfmconfig.c b/arch/arm/src/kl/kl_cfmconfig.c
index 5fc1f30f50985..5890b358caa5a 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/kl/kl_cfmconfig.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/kl/kl_cfmconfig.c
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-const uint8_t _cfmconfig[16] __attribute__((section(".cfmconfig"))) =
+const uint8_t _cfmconfig[16] locate_data(".cfmconfig") =
 {
   0xff,  /* NV_BACKKEY3: KEY=0xff */
   0xff,  /* NV_BACKKEY2: KEY=0xff */
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/rtl8720c/ameba_vectors.c b/arch/arm/src/rtl8720c/ameba_vectors.c
index a68859c38a883..d7d548dfb24ae 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/rtl8720c/ameba_vectors.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/rtl8720c/ameba_vectors.c
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ extern void exception_common(void);
  * Note that the [ ... ] designated initialiser is a GCC extension.
  */
 
-unsigned _vectors[] __attribute__((section(".vectors"))) \
+unsigned _vectors[] locate_data(".vectors") \
                     aligned_data(0x100) =
 {
   /* Initial stack */
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/s32k1xx/s32k1xx_flashcfg.c b/arch/arm/src/s32k1xx/s32k1xx_flashcfg.c
index a77f4d8e7d360..3d4dd332e9168 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/s32k1xx/s32k1xx_flashcfg.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/s32k1xx/s32k1xx_flashcfg.c
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 
 /* Configured FLASH configuration bytes.  NOTE:  Little endian assumed. */
 
-const uint8_t g_flashcfg[16]  __attribute__((section(".flashcfg"))) =
+const uint8_t g_flashcfg[16]  locate_data(".flashcfg") =
 {
   (uint8_t)(CONFIG_S32K1XX_FLASHCFG_BACKDOOR1 & 0xff),         /* 0x0400 */
   (uint8_t)((CONFIG_S32K1XX_FLASHCFG_BACKDOOR1 >> 8) & 0xff),  /* 0x0401 */
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/samd2l2/sam_dmac.c b/arch/arm/src/samd2l2/sam_dmac.c
index 6569135f57bc1..1fec09bf25568 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/samd2l2/sam_dmac.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/samd2l2/sam_dmac.c
@@ -143,9 +143,9 @@ static struct sam_dmach_s g_dmach[SAMD2L2_NDMACHAN];
  */
 
 static struct dma_desc_s g_base_desc[SAMD2L2_NDMACHAN]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 static struct dma_desc_s g_writeback_desc[SAMD2L2_NDMACHAN]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 
 #if CONFIG_SAMD2L2_DMAC_NDESC > 0
 /* Additional DMA descriptors for (optional) multi-block transfer support.
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ static struct dma_desc_s g_writeback_desc[SAMD2L2_NDMACHAN]
  */
 
 static struct dma_desc_s g_dma_desc[CONFIG_SAMD2L2_DMAC_NDESC]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 #endif
 
 /****************************************************************************
diff --git a/arch/arm/src/samd5e5/sam_dmac.c b/arch/arm/src/samd5e5/sam_dmac.c
index 8f156a3de7463..63d6f57da87be 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/samd5e5/sam_dmac.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/samd5e5/sam_dmac.c
@@ -142,9 +142,9 @@ static struct sam_dmach_s g_dmach[SAMD5E5_NDMACHAN];
  */
 
 static struct dma_desc_s g_base_desc[SAMD5E5_NDMACHAN]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 static struct dma_desc_s g_writeback_desc[SAMD5E5_NDMACHAN]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 
 #if CONFIG_SAMD5E5_DMAC_NDESC > 0
 /* Additional DMA descriptors for (optional) multi-block transfer support.
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ static struct dma_desc_s g_writeback_desc[SAMD5E5_NDMACHAN]
  */
 
 static struct dma_desc_s g_dma_desc[CONFIG_SAMD5E5_DMAC_NDESC]
-  __attribute__ ((section(".lpram"), aligned(16)));
+  locate_data(".lpram"), aligned(16);
 #endif
 
 /****************************************************************************
diff --git a/arch/renesas/src/rx65n/rx65n_vector_table.c b/arch/renesas/src/rx65n/rx65n_vector_table.c
index 0ce24009068fc..f2b6cc63e2a2e 100644
--- a/arch/renesas/src/rx65n/rx65n_vector_table.c
+++ b/arch/renesas/src/rx65n/rx65n_vector_table.c
@@ -30,13 +30,13 @@
  * Pre-processor Definitions
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-#define OFS_REG     __attribute__ ((section (".ofs1"))) /* 0xfe7f5d00 */
-#define OFS_TMINF   __attribute__ ((section (".ofs2"))) /* 0xfe7f5d10 */
-#define OFS_SPCC    __attribute__ ((section (".ofs3"))) /* 0xfe7f5d40 */
-#define OFS_TMEF    __attribute__ ((section (".ofs4"))) /* 0xfe7f5d48 */
-#define OFS_OSIS    __attribute__ ((section (".ofs5"))) /* 0xfe7f5d50 */
-#define OFS_FAW     __attribute__ ((section (".ofs6"))) /* 0xfe7f5d64 */
-#define OFS_ROMCODE __attribute__ ((section (".ofs7"))) /* 0xfe7f5d70 */
+#define OFS_REG     locate_data(".ofs1") /* 0xfe7f5d00 */
+#define OFS_TMINF   locate_data(".ofs2") /* 0xfe7f5d10 */
+#define OFS_SPCC    locate_data(".ofs3") /* 0xfe7f5d40 */
+#define OFS_TMEF    locate_data(".ofs4") /* 0xfe7f5d48 */
+#define OFS_OSIS    locate_data(".ofs5") /* 0xfe7f5d50 */
+#define OFS_FAW     locate_data(".ofs6") /* 0xfe7f5d64 */
+#define OFS_ROMCODE locate_data(".ofs7") /* 0xfe7f5d70 */
 
 /* SPCC register */
 
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ void r_floatingpoint_exception(void)
 #endif
 }
 
-#define EXVECT_SECT    __attribute__ ((section (".exvectors")))
+#define EXVECT_SECT    locate_data(".exvectors")
 
 const void *except_vectors[] EXVECT_SECT  =
 {
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ const void *except_vectors[] EXVECT_SECT  =
     r_nmi_exception            /* 0xfffffff8  NMI       */
 };
 
-#define FVECT_SECT    __attribute__ ((section (".fvectors")))
+#define FVECT_SECT    locate_data(".fvectors")
 extern void _start(void); /* defined in rx65n_head.S */
 const  void *hardware_vectors[] FVECT_SECT =
 {
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ const  void *hardware_vectors[] FVECT_SECT =
   _start      /* Power On Reset PC */
 };
 
-#define RVECT_SECT __attribute__ ((section (".rvectors")))
+#define RVECT_SECT locate_data(".rvectors")
 const void *relocatable_vectors[256] RVECT_SECT  =
 {
   0
diff --git a/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_netdev.c b/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_netdev.c
index 014aae6ffe89f..21ca392c0fe21 100644
--- a/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_netdev.c
+++ b/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_netdev.c
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ struct bl602_net_driver_s g_bl602_net[BL602_NET_NINTERFACES];
 static struct tx_buf_ind_s g_tx_buf_indicator =
   BITSET_T_INITIALIZER((1 << BL602_NET_TXBUFF_NUM) - 1);
 
-static uint8_t __attribute__((section(".wifi_ram.txbuff")))
+static uint8_t locate_data(".wifi_ram.txbuff")
 g_tx_buff[BL602_NET_TXBUFF_NUM][BL602_NET_TXBUFF_SIZE];
 
 static sem_t g_wifi_scan_sem; /* wifi scan complete semaphore */
diff --git a/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_start.c b/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_start.c
index f037832c2e07f..10288833e5631 100644
--- a/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_start.c
+++ b/arch/risc-v/src/bl602/bl602_start.c
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@
  */
 
 uint8_t g_idle_stack[BL602_IDLESTACK_SIZE]
-  __attribute__((section(".noinit_idle_stack")));
+  locate_data(".noinit_idle_stack");
 
 /* Dont change the name of variable, since we refer this
  * g_boot2_partition_table in linker script
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ uint32_t __attribute__((no_instrument_function)) boot2_get_flash_addr(void)
 }
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_STACK_OVERFLOW_CHECK
-void __attribute__((no_instrument_function, section(".tcm_code")))
+void __attribute__(((no_instrument_function))) locate_code(".tcm_code")
 __cyg_profile_func_enter(void *this_fn, void *call_site)
 {
   register uintptr_t *sp;
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ __cyg_profile_func_enter(void *this_fn, void *call_site)
   return;
 }
 
-void __attribute__((no_instrument_function, section(".tcm_code")))
+void __attribute__((no_instrument_function)) locate_code(".tcm_code")
 __cyg_profile_func_exit(void *this_fn, void *call_site)
 {
   return;
diff --git a/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_attr.h b/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_attr.h
index 93122d60fffb4..e0c9818d07aec 100644
--- a/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_attr.h
+++ b/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_attr.h
@@ -27,27 +27,27 @@
 
 /* Forces code into IRAM instead of flash */
 
-#define IRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".iram1")))
+#define IRAM_ATTR locate_data(".iram1")
 
 /* Forces data into DRAM instead of flash */
 
-#define DRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".dram1")))
+#define DRAM_ATTR locate_data(".dram1")
 
 /* Forces code into RTC fast memory */
 
-#define RTC_IRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.text")))
+#define RTC_IRAM_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.text")
 
 /* Forces data into RTC slow memory
  * Any variable marked with this attribute will keep its value
  * during a deep sleep / wake cycle.
  */
 
-#define RTC_DATA_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.data")))
+#define RTC_DATA_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.data")
 
 /* Forces read-only data into RTC slow memory
  * Makes constant data available to RTC wake stubs.
  */
 
-#define RTC_RODATA_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.rodata")))
+#define RTC_RODATA_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.rodata")
 
 #endif /* __ARCH_RISCV_SRC_ESP32C3_ESP32C3_ATTR_H */
diff --git a/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_start.c b/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_start.c
index 40819f056a949..d83cf82dcfd1a 100644
--- a/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_start.c
+++ b/arch/risc-v/src/esp32c3/esp32c3_start.c
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
 /* Address of the IDLE thread */
 
 uint8_t g_idlestack[CONFIG_IDLETHREAD_STACKSIZE]
-  aligned_data(16) __attribute__((section(".noinit")));
+  aligned_data(16) locate_data(".noinit");
 uint32_t g_idle_topstack = ESP32C3_IDLESTACK_TOP;
 
 /****************************************************************************
diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/common/xtensa_attr.h b/arch/xtensa/src/common/xtensa_attr.h
index b44f49c685bd6..473f498b2d97b 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/common/xtensa_attr.h
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/common/xtensa_attr.h
@@ -40,33 +40,33 @@
 
 /* Forces code into IRAM instead of flash */
 
-#define IRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".iram1")))
+#define IRAM_ATTR locate_data(".iram1")
 
 /* Forces data into DRAM instead of flash */
 
-#define DRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".dram1")))
+#define DRAM_ATTR locate_data(".dram1")
 
 /* Forces code into RTC fast memory */
 
-#define RTC_IRAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.text")))
+#define RTC_IRAM_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.text")
 
 /* Forces data into RTC slow memory
  * Any variable marked with this attribute will keep its value
  * during a deep sleep / wake cycle.
  */
 
-#define RTC_DATA_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.data")))
+#define RTC_DATA_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.data")
 
 /* Forces read-only data into RTC slow memory
  * Makes constant data available to RTC wake stubs.
  */
 
-#define RTC_RODATA_ATTR __attribute__((section(".rtc.rodata")))
+#define RTC_RODATA_ATTR locate_data(".rtc.rodata")
 
 /* Allow bss variables into external memory. */
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_XTENSA_EXTMEM_BSS
-#  define EXT_RAM_ATTR __attribute__((section(".extmem.bss")))
+#  define EXT_RAM_ATTR locate_data(".extmem.bss")
 #else
 #  define EXT_RAM_ATTR
 #endif
diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_cpuidlestack.c b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_cpuidlestack.c
index d63af81661e95..bd2646ff11e71 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_cpuidlestack.c
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_cpuidlestack.c
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 /* Address of the CPU0 IDLE thread */
 
 uint32_t g_cpu1_idlestack[CPU1_IDLETHREAD_STACKWORDS]
-  aligned_data(16) __attribute__((section(".noinit")));
+  aligned_data(16) locate_data(".noinit");
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_start.c b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_start.c
index cdef8f122c630..8dcfb3b7f18ea 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_start.c
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_start.c
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@
 /* Address of the CPU0 IDLE thread */
 
 uint32_t g_idlestack[IDLETHREAD_STACKWORDS]
-  aligned_data(16) __attribute__((section(".noinit")));
+  aligned_data(16) locate_data(".noinit");
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32s2/esp32s2_start.c b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32s2/esp32s2_start.c
index 6d03c2ca8bb26..a6a883a65ab5c 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32s2/esp32s2_start.c
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32s2/esp32s2_start.c
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@
 /* Address of the CPU0 IDLE thread */
 
 uint32_t g_idlestack[IDLETHREAD_STACKWORDS]
-  aligned_data(16) __attribute__((section(".noinit")));
+  aligned_data(16) locate_data(".noinit");
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
index 9a4c0fc386571..1c0f2e0c7665c 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.ivt")
 const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
 {
   IVT_HEADER,                         /* IVT Header */
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
   IVT_RSVD                            /* Reserved = 0 */
 };
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.boot_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.boot_data")
 const struct boot_data_s g_boot_data =
 {
   FLASH_BASE,                         /* boot start location */
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
index e19673d15049a..21676a9bb85f4 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1020-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@
  */
 
 #if defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1020_EVK_HYPER_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config                =
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
   .is_uniform_blocksize      = 1,
 };
 #elif defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1020_EVK_QSPI_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config =
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
index 0f0ee11130826..3c16652cb5846 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
index d624a849fe3c8..847f5720011dd 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.ivt")
 const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
 {
   IVT_HEADER,                         /* IVT Header */
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
   IVT_RSVD                            /* Reserved = 0 */
 };
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.boot_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.boot_data")
 const struct boot_data_s g_boot_data =
 {
   FLASH_BASE,                         /* boot start location */
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
index 08513589dc8a7..194bc219a2399 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #if defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1050_EVK_HYPER_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config              =
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 };
 
 #elif defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1050_EVK_QSPI_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config =
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
index 12566433ed453..bcffc91d60911 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1050-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
 #include "imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.h"
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.dcd_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.dcd_data")
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Data
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
index e2557c7b35828..501c5d11ea10c 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
index d80573c6772a9..09cec412cbba6 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.ivt")
 const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
 {
   IVT_HEADER,                         /* IVT Header */
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
   IVT_RSVD                            /* Reserved = 0 */
 };
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.boot_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.boot_data")
 const struct boot_data_s g_boot_data =
 {
   IMAGE_DEST,                         /* boot start location */
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
index 801c131b96a51..635b82aff0e65 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1060-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #if defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1060_EVK_HYPER_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config              =
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 };
 
 #elif defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1060_EVK_QSPI_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config =
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
index 9ef183fe029dc..98e6644500a7d 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
index dfaf0051aafe4..018994d9e46cc 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.ivt")
 const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
 {
   IVT_HEADER,                         /* IVT Header */
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
   IVT_RSVD                            /* Reserved = 0 */
 };
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.boot_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.boot_data")
 const struct boot_data_s g_boot_data =
 {
   IMAGE_DEST,                         /* boot start location */
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
index a72ff4d0cbd23..da1081dfd5272 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #if defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1060_EVK_HYPER_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config               =
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 };
 
 #elif defined (CONFIG_IMXRT1064_EVK_QSPI_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config =
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
index 2aa831a6e8cca..2d0c4114bcfdb 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/imxrt1064-evk/src/imxrt_sdram_ini_dcd.c
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 #include "imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.h"
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.dcd_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.dcd_data")
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Data
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
index 557da3d9342c5..33682576e990c 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/kernel/imxrt_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
index 8bcf262866b8a..b962e4bf783c0 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_boot.c
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
  * Public Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.ivt")
       const struct ivt_s g_image_vector_table =
       {
         IVT_HEADER,                    /* IVT Header */
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ __attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.ivt")))
         IVT_RSVD                       /* Reserved = 0 */
       };
 
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.boot_data")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.boot_data")
       const struct boot_data_s g_boot_data =
       {
         IMAGE_DEST,                      /* boot start location */
diff --git a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
index c15367649f2a6..29b32d7ee47c5 100644
--- a/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
+++ b/boards/arm/imxrt/teensy-4.x/src/imxrt_flexspi_nor_flash.c
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #if defined (CONFIG_TEENSY4_QSPI_FLASH)
-__attribute__((section(".boot_hdr.conf")))
+locate_data(".boot_hdr.conf")
 const struct flexspi_nor_config_s g_flash_config =
 {
   .mem_config =
diff --git a/boards/arm/lc823450/lc823450-xgevk/kernel/lc823450_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lc823450/lc823450-xgevk/kernel/lc823450_userspace.c
index 7eedb98bd30d7..007096e52f45a 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lc823450/lc823450-xgevk/kernel/lc823450_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lc823450/lc823450-xgevk/kernel/lc823450_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-devkit/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-devkit/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
index 2af4c85cfb4df..9e89dedc612eb 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-devkit/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-devkit/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-quickstart/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-quickstart/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
index 4f5c33cd10457..ee945a8edd27b 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-quickstart/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/lpc4088-quickstart/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/open1788/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/open1788/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
index 09450eca6b17b..aba01b249c8af 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/open1788/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/open1788/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/pnev5180b/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/pnev5180b/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
index 8a8451c4a34ca..a3f1737789fc2 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/pnev5180b/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lpc17xx_40xx/pnev5180b/kernel/lpc17_40_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/lpc43xx/bambino-200e/kernel/lpc43_userspace.c b/boards/arm/lpc43xx/bambino-200e/kernel/lpc43_userspace.c
index e59fd01c6f87b..f97def756bdd2 100644
--- a/boards/arm/lpc43xx/bambino-200e/kernel/lpc43_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/lpc43xx/bambino-200e/kernel/lpc43_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/sam34/sam3u-ek/kernel/sam_userspace.c b/boards/arm/sam34/sam3u-ek/kernel/sam_userspace.c
index da2e8d808abb7..7c61451e5a54e 100644
--- a/boards/arm/sam34/sam3u-ek/kernel/sam_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/sam34/sam3u-ek/kernel/sam_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/samv7/same70-xplained/kernel/sam_userspace.c b/boards/arm/samv7/same70-xplained/kernel/sam_userspace.c
index 2cd40031bc205..f17c3d91d4004 100644
--- a/boards/arm/samv7/same70-xplained/kernel/sam_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/samv7/same70-xplained/kernel/sam_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/samv7/samv71-xult/kernel/sam_userspace.c b/boards/arm/samv7/samv71-xult/kernel/sam_userspace.c
index 01be17d1fc163..0fb501658a5e0 100644
--- a/boards/arm/samv7/samv71-xult/kernel/sam_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/samv7/samv71-xult/kernel/sam_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/clicker2-stm32/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/clicker2-stm32/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 2a2521c68ac4f..487019395d95f 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/clicker2-stm32/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/clicker2-stm32/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/mikroe-stm32f4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/mikroe-stm32f4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 25af38e677b0c..42544c28f95b6 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/mikroe-stm32f4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/mikroe-stm32f4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/olimex-stm32-p407/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/olimex-stm32-p407/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index efe32d850828d..17974fc4a4314 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/olimex-stm32-p407/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/olimex-stm32-p407/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/omnibusf4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/omnibusf4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 08c02ae1a8e01..926bebb0ec472 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/omnibusf4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/omnibusf4/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/photon/src/dfu_signature.c b/boards/arm/stm32/photon/src/dfu_signature.c
index 83e4786fabb2e..a5bd7d011efd1 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/photon/src/dfu_signature.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/photon/src/dfu_signature.c
@@ -65,8 +65,8 @@ extern uint32_t _firmware_end;
  * Private Data
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-__attribute__((externally_visible, section(".dfu_signature")))
-  const struct dfu_signature dfu_sign =
+__attribute__((externally_visible)) locate_data(".dfu_signature")
+const struct dfu_signature dfu_sign =
 {
   (uint32_t)&_firmware_start, /* Flash image start address */
   (uint32_t)&_firmware_end,   /* Flash image end address */
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/stm3240g-eval/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/stm3240g-eval/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 4eafb03e4ec97..17577128e9a07 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/stm3240g-eval/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/stm3240g-eval/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32/stm32f4discovery/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32/stm32f4discovery/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index ff60953b5f00d..6fb0dd3a18d48 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32/stm32f4discovery/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32/stm32f4discovery/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f746g-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f746g-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 0ee9fa1495809..fe14aa508200d 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f746g-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f746g-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f769i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f769i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index f85466e5b5f41..43d54e7de12d7 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f769i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32f7/stm32f769i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 54fb39e051015..a2d81e27985b5 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/flash.ld b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/flash.ld
index 59cdb4389b45d..7bf424656da32 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/flash.ld
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/flash.ld
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ SECTIONS
 
     /* Emit the the D3 power domain section for locating BDMA data
      *
-     * Static data with __attribute__ ((section (".sram4"))) will be located
+     * Static data with locate_data(".sram4") will be located
      * at start of SRAM4; the rest of SRAM4 will be added to the heap.
      */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/kernel.space.ld b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/kernel.space.ld
index f3437a16f305a..5b39d1139662f 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/kernel.space.ld
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi/scripts/kernel.space.ld
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ SECTIONS
 
     /* Emit the the D3 power domain section for locating BDMA data
      *
-     * Static data with __attribute__ ((section (".sram4"))) will be located
+     * Static data with locate_data(".sram4") will be located
      * at start of SRAM4; the rest of SRAM4 will be added to the heap.
      */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi2/scripts/flash.ld b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi2/scripts/flash.ld
index 339cc43ecb1a0..276482189bfa4 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi2/scripts/flash.ld
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/nucleo-h743zi2/scripts/flash.ld
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ SECTIONS
 
     /* Emit the the D3 power domain section for locating BDMA data
      *
-     * Static data with __attribute__ ((section (".sram4"))) will be located
+     * Static data with locate_data(".sram4") will be located
      * at start of SRAM4; the rest of SRAM4 will be added to the heap.
      */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
index 4dfafe8a4214e..30a23b8cef2f5 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/kernel/stm32_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/flash.ld b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/flash.ld
index 824f6b63a38e5..1bf9a2ce8c2f0 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/flash.ld
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/flash.ld
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ SECTIONS
 
     /* Emit the the D3 power domain section for locating BDMA data
      *
-     * Static data with __attribute__ ((section (".sram4"))) will be located
+     * Static data with locate_data(".sram4") will be located
      * at start of SRAM4; the rest of SRAM4 will be added to the heap.
      */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/kernel.space.ld b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/kernel.space.ld
index 45509b67683f6..e1db7b6727c2b 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/kernel.space.ld
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32h7/stm32h747i-disco/scripts/kernel.space.ld
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ SECTIONS
 
     /* Emit the the D3 power domain section for locating BDMA data
      *
-     * Static data with __attribute__ ((section (".sram4"))) will be located
+     * Static data with locate_data(".sram4") will be located
      * at start of SRAM4; the rest of SRAM4 will be added to the heap.
      */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l476vg-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l476vg-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
index 548d619a62394..3a29e615872f0 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l476vg-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l476vg-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l4r9ai-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c b/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l4r9ai-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
index ae474c689f472..a2314de4db62f 100644
--- a/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l4r9ai-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/stm32l4/stm32l4r9ai-disco/kernel/stm32l4_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/arm/tiva/lm3s6965-ek/kernel/lm_userspace.c b/boards/arm/tiva/lm3s6965-ek/kernel/lm_userspace.c
index 1e6ae7bced8bb..32ed0f19ed0b3 100644
--- a/boards/arm/tiva/lm3s6965-ek/kernel/lm_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/arm/tiva/lm3s6965-ek/kernel/lm_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/risc-v/c906/smartl-c906/kernel/c906_userspace.c b/boards/risc-v/c906/smartl-c906/kernel/c906_userspace.c
index 9f24ab1a9d761..ce97d84cd47af 100644
--- a/boards/risc-v/c906/smartl-c906/kernel/c906_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/risc-v/c906/smartl-c906/kernel/c906_userspace.c
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ extern uintptr_t *__ld_usram_end; /* End+1 of user ram section */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/risc-v/k210/maix-bit/kernel/k210_userspace.c b/boards/risc-v/k210/maix-bit/kernel/k210_userspace.c
index f7ff8e5dfd6a1..2fd757b0d49af 100644
--- a/boards/risc-v/k210/maix-bit/kernel/k210_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/risc-v/k210/maix-bit/kernel/k210_userspace.c
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ extern uint32_t _ebss;            /* End+1 of .bss */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/boards/risc-v/mpfs/icicle/kernel/mpfs_userspace.c b/boards/risc-v/mpfs/icicle/kernel/mpfs_userspace.c
index 6fda7b7c8fb0a..106fe32c59957 100755
--- a/boards/risc-v/mpfs/icicle/kernel/mpfs_userspace.c
+++ b/boards/risc-v/mpfs/icicle/kernel/mpfs_userspace.c
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ extern uintptr_t *__ld_usram_end; /* End+1 of user ram section */
 
 int CONFIG_USER_ENTRYPOINT(int argc, char *argv[]);
 
-const struct userspace_s userspace __attribute__ ((section (".userspace"))) =
+const struct userspace_s userspace locate_data(".userspace") =
 {
   /* General memory map */
 
diff --git a/include/nuttx/mm/gran.h b/include/nuttx/mm/gran.h
index 9528b2870f918..d515a1c3ca056 100644
--- a/include/nuttx/mm/gran.h
+++ b/include/nuttx/mm/gran.h
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ extern "C"
  *   attribute to position a DMA heap in memory (logic in the linker script
  *   would assign the section .dmaheap to the DMA memory.
  *
- *   FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] __attribute__((section(.dmaheap)));
+ *   FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] locate_data(.dmaheap);
  *
  *   The heap is created by calling gran_initialize.  Here the granule size
  *   is set to 64 bytes and the alignment to 16 bytes:
diff --git a/mm/README.txt b/mm/README.txt
index 5607cbbaa950b..9f70f9747fe4a 100644
--- a/mm/README.txt
+++ b/mm/README.txt
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ This directory contains the NuttX memory management logic.  This include:
      heap in memory (logic in the linker script would assign the section
      .dmaheap to the DMA memory.
 
-        FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] __attribute__((section(.dmaheap)));
+        FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] locate_data(.dmaheap);
 
      The heap is created by calling gran_initialize.  Here the granule size
      is set to 64 bytes and the alignment to 16 bytes:
diff --git a/mm/mm_gran/mm_graninit.c b/mm/mm_gran/mm_graninit.c
index a3acb93ccde35..1dd50ae318dc2 100644
--- a/mm/mm_gran/mm_graninit.c
+++ b/mm/mm_gran/mm_graninit.c
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@
  *   attribute to position a DMA heap in memory (logic in the linker script
  *   would assign the section .dmaheap to the DMA memory.
  *
- *   FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] __attribute__((section(.dmaheap)));
+ *   FAR uint32_t g_dmaheap[DMAHEAP_SIZE] locate_data(.dmaheap);
  *
  *   The heap is created by calling gran_initialize().  Here the granule size
  *   is set to 64 bytes (2**6) and the alignment to 16 bytes (2**4):