Null Pointer Dereference in AMDGPU Driver - Linux Kernel Vulnerability

linux Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/05/2024
N/A
No i
Medium
5.5

CVE-2023-52815: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/amdgpu/vkms: fix a possible null pointer dereference In amdgpu_vkms_conn_get_modes(), the return value of drm_cvt_mode() is assigned to mode, which... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware and system resources. It supports a wide range of functionalities, including device drivers, system calls, and process management. The AMDGPU driver is specifically designed for AMD graphics cards, enabling efficient graphics rendering and display management. This vulnerability affects the AMDGPU driver, particularly in the vkms (virtual kernel mode setting) component, which can lead to system instability if exploited.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-52815 arises from a null pointer dereference in the amdgpu_vkms_conn_get_modes() function. When the function drm_cvt_mode() fails, it returns a null value that is subsequently assigned to the variable 'mode'. This oversight can lead to a system crash or unexpected behavior, as the system attempts to access a null pointer. The potential ramifications include denial of service and instability in systems utilizing the AMDGPU driver, particularly in virtual environments.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the necessary updates to the Linux kernel as soon as they are available.

Conclusion

CVE-2023-52815 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMDGPU driver that can lead to system crashes due to a null pointer dereference. Users are advised to update their systems to the latest kernel versions to mitigate this risk. Regular monitoring using tools like Vulert can help ensure that your software remains secure against such vulnerabilities.

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FAQ

CVE-2023-52815 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMDGPU driver that can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially causing system crashes.

You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to install any software.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in system instability and denial of service, particularly affecting systems that rely on the AMDGPU driver.

You can update your Linux kernel by running the commands 'sudo apt-get update' followed by 'sudo apt-get upgrade linux' in your terminal.

Yes, the CVSS score for CVE-2023-52815 is 5.5, indicating a moderate level of severity.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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