CVE-2024-46698
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's video aperture subsystem can cause kernel panics when multiple PCI display devices are present. This affects systems with non-VGA primary display devices and secondary VGA devices, potentially leading to denial of service. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 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 →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, requiring physical or remote console access to reboot.
Likely Case
System crash when specific PCI device configurations are present, requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper kernel patches are applied or vulnerable configurations are avoided.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and specific hardware configuration to trigger
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel branches via git commits 17e78f43de0c6da34204cc858b4cc05671ea9acf and b49420d6a1aeb399e5b107fc6eb8584d0860fbd7
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/17e78f43de0c6da34204cc858b4cc05671ea9acf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to patched kernel version from your distribution's repositories
2. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel with patches from git.kernel.org
3. Reboot system to load new kernel
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid vulnerable PCI configurations
linuxPrevent system from having non-VGA primary display device with secondary VGA device
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events related to video/aperture subsystem
- Restrict local user access to systems with vulnerable PCI configurations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and PCI device configuration. Vulnerable if using unpatched kernel with specific PCI display device arrangement.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the git commit fixes or check that system no longer crashes with vulnerable PCI configuration📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in dmesg
- Video subsystem crash logs
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "video/aperture" OR "sysfb_disable")