CVE-2024-57926
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's MediaTek DRM driver allows local attackers to cause kernel memory corruption during system shutdown. This affects systems using MediaTek graphics hardware with vulnerable kernel versions. The vulnerability can lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with MediaTek DRM 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 →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
Local privilege escalation leading to full system compromise, kernel panic causing system instability, or persistent denial of service.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic during shutdown/reboot sequences, potentially requiring physical intervention to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability during shutdown with no persistent effects if proper kernel hardening is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger system shutdown/reboot. Exploitation depends on specific memory layout and timing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 078b2ff7da200b7532398e668eef723ad40fb516, 36684e9d88a2e2401ae26715a2e217cb4295cea7, or 7083b93e9755d60f0c2bcaa9d064308108280534 applied
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/078b2ff7da200b7532398e668eef723ad40fb516
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to a patched Linux kernel version from your distribution vendor. 2. For custom kernels, apply the relevant commit from kernel.org. 3. Rebuild and install the kernel. 4. Reboot the system to load the patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable MediaTek DRM driver
LinuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable mtk-drm kernel module
echo 'blacklist mtk-drm' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod mtk-drm
Disable KASAN for production
LinuxKASAN detection can be disabled, though this doesn't fix the underlying issue
Remove 'kasan' from kernel command line in bootloader configuration
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent exploitation
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious shutdown/reboot activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mtk-drm module is loaded: lsmod | grep mtk_drm. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions. Test system shutdown to ensure no KASAN errors.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- KASAN use-after-free errors in kernel logs
- drm_atomic_helper_shutdown crash reports
- System watchdog timeouts during shutdown
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local kernel vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("KASAN: use-after-free" OR "drm_atomic_helper_shutdown" OR "mtk_drm_shutdown")