CVE-2024-46720 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amdgpu: fix dereference after null check
check the pointer hive before use.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46720 resides within the Linux kernel's amdgpu display driver subsystem, specifically affecting the direct rendering manager component responsible for graphics processing unit management. This issue represents a classic null pointer dereference flaw that occurs during the handling of graphics driver operations, particularly when processing certain hive pointer references within the amdgpu driver's internal data structures. The vulnerability manifests in the drm/amdgpu subsystem where improper pointer validation leads to potential system instability or exploitation opportunities.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate null pointer validation before memory access operations within the amdgpu driver's code path. When the driver attempts to process graphics-related data structures, it fails to properly verify that the hive pointer reference is valid before dereferencing it. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a condition where subsequent memory access operations can cause kernel crashes, data corruption, or potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference issues in software development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise the integrity of graphics processing operations within Linux systems utilizing AMD GPU hardware. Attackers could exploit this flaw to cause denial of service conditions by triggering the null pointer dereference, potentially leading to complete system hangs or reboots. In more sophisticated attack scenarios, this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for privilege escalation or remote code execution, particularly when combined with other kernel vulnerabilities. The flaw affects systems running Linux kernels with amdgpu driver support, making it relevant to a wide range of desktop, server, and embedded systems utilizing AMD graphics hardware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-46720 should prioritize immediate kernel updates from trusted sources to address the root cause through proper null pointer validation. System administrators should ensure all affected systems receive the patched kernel versions containing the corrected pointer validation logic. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper kernel module access controls, monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintaining comprehensive system logs for forensic analysis. The fix implemented addresses the specific code path where hive pointer validation was insufficient, requiring developers to check the pointer before use as indicated in the vulnerability resolution. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, making proper patch management critical for maintaining system security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts.