CVE-2024-42121 – This CVE describes an array index validation vu... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-42121?

CVE-2024-42121 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes an array index validation vulnerability in the AMD display driver component of the Linux kernel. An attacker could exploit this to cause buffer overrun conditions, potentially leading to kernel crashes or privilege escalation. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with AMD graphics hardware are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes an array index validation vulnerability in the AMD display driver component of the Linux kernel. An attacker could exploit this to cause buffer overrun conditions, potentially leading to kernel crashes or privilege escalation. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with AMD graphics hardware are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel with AMD display driver (drm/amd/display)

Versions: Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable code before the fix commits

Operating Systems: Linux distributions with affected kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires AMD graphics hardware and the affected display driver module to be loaded. Systems without AMD graphics or with the module disabled are not vulnerable.

📦 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 →

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 denial of service, or potential privilege escalation to kernel mode execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.

🟠

Likely Case

Kernel crash causing system instability or denial of service, requiring reboot to recover.

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact if proper kernel hardening and privilege separation are implemented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires local access or ability to execute code on the system.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers or malicious users could exploit this to disrupt systems or potentially escalate privileges.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable code path. No public exploits have been reported as of the CVE publication.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Linux kernel versions containing the fix commits: 59d99deb330af206a4541db0c4da8f73880fba03, 9933eca6ada0cd612e19522e7a319bcef464c0eb, a31ea49dc8064a557565725cf045944307476a6e, ae91ffbc8b8d942e3e7f188728cad557b7ed5ee4, b5b8837d066cc182ff69fb5629ad32ade5484567

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/59d99deb330af206a4541db0c4da8f73880fba03

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update to a Linux kernel version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load patched kernel.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable AMD display driver module

linux

Prevents loading of the vulnerable driver component

echo 'blacklist amdgpu' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict local user access to systems with AMD graphics hardware
Implement kernel hardening features like KASLR and strict memory protections

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and verify if AMD display driver is loaded: lsmod | grep amdgpu

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version contains fix commits or check with distribution's security advisory

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic messages
AMD driver crash logs in dmesg
System instability reports

Network Indicators:

None - this is a local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

Search for kernel panic events or AMD driver crash messages in system logs

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-42121

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-129

Published: July 30, 2024

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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