CVE-2024-43908 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amdgpu: Fix the null pointer dereference to ras_manager
Check ras_manager before using it
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43908 affects the Linux kernel's amdgpu display driver component and represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Remote Access Service manager subsystem. This issue specifically manifests in the drm/amdgpu driver when handling certain error conditions or initialization sequences where the ras_manager pointer may not be properly validated before access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and defensive programming practices within the graphics driver's error handling mechanisms.
The technical flaw occurs when the system attempts to access the ras_manager structure without first verifying that it has been properly allocated and initialized. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference conditions where a null pointer is used in a context that requires a valid object reference. The flaw exists in the kernel's graphics subsystem specifically within the amdgpu driver's Remote Access Service management functionality, which is responsible for handling various hardware error reporting and recovery mechanisms for AMD graphics hardware.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system stability and security integrity. An attacker or malicious process could potentially trigger the null pointer dereference through specific sequences of graphics operations or driver interactions, leading to system crashes, kernel panics, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as improper handling of such memory references could potentially be exploited to escalate privileges or bypass security controls. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics hardware and the amdgpu driver, particularly those utilizing advanced graphics features or remote access capabilities that rely on the affected RAS management subsystem.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the official kernel patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers which include proper null pointer validation before accessing the ras_manager structure. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix, particularly in production environments where stability and security are paramount. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual system crashes or kernel oops messages that may indicate exploitation attempts, implementing proper kernel hardening configurations, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems running affected graphics drivers. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, making proactive patch management essential for preventing potential exploitation by adversaries targeting system stability and access control mechanisms.