CVE-2024-43907 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amdgpu/pm: Fix the null pointer dereference in apply_state_adjust_rules
Check the pointer value to fix potential null pointer dereference
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43907 resides within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically affecting the amdgpu driver's power management functionality. This issue manifests as a null pointer dereference during the execution of power state adjustment rules, representing a critical stability concern that could potentially lead to system crashes or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability occurs within the drm/amdgpu/pm subsystem which manages power management operations for AMD graphics hardware, making it a significant concern for systems relying on AMD GPU acceleration.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate pointer validation within the apply_state_adjust_rules function where the driver fails to properly check if a pointer variable contains a valid memory reference before attempting to dereference it. This null pointer dereference condition typically arises when the driver attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to null, leading to a kernel panic or system crash. The vulnerability represents a classic coding error pattern that falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a high-severity issue in software security assessments. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where proper input validation and error handling mechanisms are missing from the power management code path.
Operationally, this vulnerability impacts systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics hardware, particularly those utilizing the amdgpu driver for GPU power management operations. The null pointer dereference could occur during normal system operation when power state adjustments are being applied, potentially causing unexpected system instability or complete system crashes. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions by triggering the specific code path that leads to the null pointer dereference, making it a valuable target for adversaries seeking to disrupt system availability. The impact extends beyond simple system crashes as it affects the reliability of graphics processing and power management functionality, which are critical for both desktop and server environments using AMD GPU hardware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-43907 should prioritize applying the latest kernel updates that contain the patched version of the drm/amdgpu/pm subsystem. System administrators should monitor kernel release notes and security advisories from their distribution vendors to ensure timely patch deployment. The fix implemented addresses the vulnerability by introducing proper pointer validation checks before dereferencing any pointer variables within the apply_state_adjust_rules function. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Denial of Service through kernel-level exploitation, where adversaries might attempt to leverage such vulnerabilities to compromise system availability. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain system stability through regular kernel updates and security patch management processes.