CVE-2024-56667
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel graphics driver (drm/i915) could cause kernel crashes or denial of service when the intel_context structure is NULL. This affects systems using Intel integrated or discrete graphics with the i915 driver. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel i915 graphics 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 →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 service disruption.
Likely Case
Local denial of service through kernel crash when specific graphics operations are performed with malformed context.
If Mitigated
Limited to denial of service for local users; no privilege escalation or remote code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger specific graphics operations with NULL context. No known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commit 754302a5bc1bd8fd3b7d85c168b0a1af6d4bba4d or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/da0b986256ae9a78b0215214ff44f271bfe237c1
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit 2. Reboot system 3. Verify kernel version is updated
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
linuxLimit access to systems to trusted users only to reduce attack surface
Disable vulnerable graphics features
linuxPotentially disable specific Intel graphics features if not needed
echo 'options i915 enable_guc=0' > /etc/modprobe.d/i915.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict system access to trusted users only
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic or crash events
- Implement strict access controls and privilege separation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if it contains the vulnerable code path. Vulnerable if using affected kernel versions with Intel i915 driver.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit 754302a5bc1bd8fd3b7d85c168b0a1af6d4bba4d or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "Oops")