CVE-2024-27040
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the AMD display driver within the Linux kernel. If exploited, it could cause a kernel panic or system crash on systems with AMD graphics hardware. The vulnerability affects Linux systems running vulnerable kernel versions with AMD GPU drivers loaded.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with AMD GPU drivers
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or system instability.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when specific display operations are performed with AMD graphics hardware.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability or application crashes if proper kernel protections are enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger specific display operations. No known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commit d0e94f4807ff0df66cf447d6b4bbb8ac830e99c3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d0e94f4807ff0df66cf447d6b4bbb8ac830e99c3
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AMD display replay feature
linuxPrevent the vulnerable code path from being executed by disabling the replay feature
echo 0 > /sys/module/amdgpu/parameters/replay_enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with AMD graphics hardware
- Implement strict privilege separation and limit user ability to modify display settings
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if AMD GPU drivers are loaded: lsmod | grep amdgpu && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit: git log --oneline | grep d0e94f4807ff0df66cf447d6b4bbb8ac830e99c3📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "BUG: unable to handle kernel")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d0e94f4807ff0df66cf447d6b4bbb8ac830e99c3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e7cadd5d3a8ffe334d0229ba9eda4290138d56e7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f610c46771ef1047e46d61807aa7c69cd29e63d8
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f6aed043ee5d75b3d1bfc452b1a9584b63c8f76b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d0e94f4807ff0df66cf447d6b4bbb8ac830e99c3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e7cadd5d3a8ffe334d0229ba9eda4290138d56e7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f610c46771ef1047e46d61807aa7c69cd29e63d8
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f6aed043ee5d75b3d1bfc452b1a9584b63c8f76b
