CVE-2024-38581 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amdgpu/mes: fix use-after-free issue
Delete fence fallback timer to fix the ramdom use-after-free issue.
v2: move to amdgpu_mes.c
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38581 affects the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically within the amdgpu driver's message passing interface. This issue resides in the drm/amdgpu/mes component which handles message passing between the kernel and AMD graphics hardware. The vulnerability manifests as a use-after-free condition that can lead to system instability and potential security implications. The problem occurs when managing fence fallback timers within the message passing system, creating a scenario where memory is accessed after it has been freed, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical flaw stems from improper memory management within the amdgpu_mes.c file where fence fallback timers are not correctly handled during cleanup operations. When the system processes graphics commands through the message passing interface, specific timer structures associated with fence operations are freed but subsequent code paths still attempt to reference these memory locations. This use-after-free vulnerability represents a classic memory corruption issue that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially compromise the integrity of graphics processing operations on AMD hardware. Systems utilizing the amdgpu driver for graphics rendering, gaming, or professional applications may experience unexpected crashes or hangs when processing certain graphics workloads. The random nature of the use-after-free condition makes it particularly challenging to reproduce consistently, which can complicate both exploitation and mitigation efforts. This vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the amdgpu driver and can be particularly problematic in server environments where graphics processing is critical for performance or in desktop systems where graphics stability is essential.
The fix implemented for CVE-2024-38581 involves moving the cleanup logic to the amdgpu_mes.c file and properly deleting the fence fallback timer before memory is freed. This change ensures that all references to timer structures are properly managed and eliminated before the associated memory is released back to the system. The solution addresses the root cause by ensuring proper synchronization between the message passing interface and the timer management subsystem. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it particularly concerning for systems with elevated privileges or those running untrusted graphics workloads. The fix demonstrates proper memory management practices and follows industry standards for kernel security hardening that prevent similar use-after-free conditions from occurring in the future.