CVE-2024-42117
📋 TL;DR
This CVE addresses a Linux kernel vulnerability in AMD display driver functions that could lead to memory corruption. When the driver fails to find valid array indices for plane/stream IDs, it previously returned -1, which could cause buffer overruns or negative array indexing. This affects Linux systems with AMD graphics hardware using the vulnerable kernel driver.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with AMD display driver (drm/amd/display)
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or potential local privilege escalation leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, display corruption, or kernel crashes requiring reboot.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper kernel hardening and privilege separation in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger the specific display driver functions. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 01eb50e53c1ce505bf449348d433181310288765 and a9c047a5cf3135b8b66bd28fbe2c698b9cace0b3
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/01eb50e53c1ce505bf449348d433181310288765
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load patched kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AMD display driver module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist amdgpu' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with AMD graphics hardware
- Implement kernel hardening features like SELinux/AppArmor to limit impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running kernel contains the vulnerable code by examining kernel version and commit historyCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits: 01eb50e53c1ce505bf449348d433181310288765 and a9c047a5cf3135b8b66bd28fbe2c698b9cace0b3📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- AMDGPU driver crash logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "BUG") AND "amdgpu"