Null Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel's AMD Display Driver
Summary
CVE-2024-49914: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/amd/display: Add null check for pipe_ctx->plane_state in dcn20_program_pipe This commit addresses a null pointer dereference issue in the dcn20_prog... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is a core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware management and system resources. The AMD display driver is part of the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem, which handles graphics processing and display output. This vulnerability specifically affects the AMD display driver, where a null pointer dereference can lead to system instability or crashes, impacting the overall user experience.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability was identified in the AMD display driver within the function 'dcn20_program_pipe'. This issue arises when the 'pipe_ctx->plane_state' variable is null, leading to a potential null pointer dereference. If exploited, this could result in a system crash or unexpected behavior, compromising system stability. The vulnerability was reported by smatch, highlighting that the assumption of 'pipe_ctx->plane_state' being non-null was incorrect, necessitating the addition of a null check to prevent such dereferences.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating the Linux kernel as described in the 'how_to_fix' section.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-49914 vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMD display driver poses a significant risk due to the potential for null pointer dereference. Users are strongly encouraged to update their systems to the latest kernel version to ensure protection against this issue. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2024-49914 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMD display driver that can lead to a null pointer dereference, potentially causing system crashes.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any installation.
If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to system instability, crashes, and unexpected behavior, affecting the overall performance of the system.
Yes, a patch has been released in the latest versions of the Linux kernel. Users are advised to update their systems to the patched version.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize updating your kernel as soon as possible to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
