CVE-2024-50174
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Panthor GPU driver where a group handle could be converted to a group object without proper synchronization. Attackers could potentially exploit this to cause use-after-free conditions or kernel crashes. This affects systems running Linux kernels with the Panthor driver enabled.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Panthor GPU driver
📦 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, denial of service, or potential privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service affecting GPU functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if systems don't use Panthor GPU driver or have proper isolation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of race condition exploitation techniques. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 44742138d151c3a945460ae7beff8ae45ac0bf58, 8a585d553c11965332d7a2d74e79ef92a42bfc87, cac075706f298948898b1f63e81709df42afa75d
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/44742138d151c3a945460ae7beff8ae45ac0bf58
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify Panthor driver is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Panthor driver
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable Panthor GPU driver module
echo 'blacklist panthor' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-panthor.conf
rmmod panthor
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with Panthor driver enabled
- Implement strict application sandboxing and privilege separation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Panthor module is loaded: lsmod | grep panthor. Check kernel version against affected commits.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits: git log --oneline | grep -E '44742138d151c3a945460ae7beff8ae45ac0bf58|8a585d553c11965332d7a2d74e79ef92a42bfc87|cac075706f298948898b1f63e81709df42afa75d'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- GPU driver crash logs
- System crash dumps
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panthor" OR "GPU driver crash" OR "kernel panic")