CVE-2024-46726 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Ensure index calculation will not overflow
[WHY & HOW]
Make sure vmid0p72_idx, vnom0p8_idx and vmax0p9_idx calculation will never overflow and exceess array size.
This fixes 3 OVERRUN and 1 INTEGER_OVERFLOW issues reported by Coverity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-46726 addresses a critical issue within the Linux kernel's AMD display subsystem, specifically within the direct rendering manager drm/amd/display component. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that could potentially be exploited to compromise system integrity and stability. The vulnerability manifests in the improper calculation of array indices used for managing display virtual memory identifiers and related display parameters. The issue was identified through static analysis tools and reported by Coverity, highlighting three distinct overrun conditions and one integer overflow scenario that collectively threaten the kernel's memory management stability.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate bounds checking during the calculation of vmid0p72_idx, vnom0p8_idx, and vmax0p9_idx variables. These indices are used to access arrays containing display configuration parameters within the AMD graphics driver's memory space. When integer overflow occurs during the calculation of these indices, the resulting values can exceed the allocated array boundaries, leading to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and more specifically relates to CWE-129, Improper Validation of Array Index. The flaw demonstrates a failure in input validation and arithmetic overflow protection mechanisms that are fundamental to secure memory management in kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it could potentially enable privilege escalation attacks or system instability. When the calculated indices exceed array bounds, the kernel may access unauthorized memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior including system crashes, data corruption, or in severe cases, potential privilege escalation to kernel-level execution. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics hardware and display drivers, particularly those utilizing the drm/amd/display subsystem for graphics management. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1547.001, Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder, as the compromised display subsystem could potentially be leveraged for broader system compromise.
The fix implemented addresses the core issue by ensuring that the index calculations for vmid0p72_idx, vnom0p8_idx, and vmax0p9_idx will never exceed the valid array boundaries. This involves implementing proper overflow detection mechanisms and bounds checking before array access operations. The mitigation strategy follows established kernel security practices by validating all input parameters and ensuring arithmetic operations remain within safe integer ranges. The solution directly addresses the integer overflow conditions identified by Coverity static analysis while maintaining the intended functionality of the display driver subsystem. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions containing this fix, as the vulnerability represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks targeting graphics subsystems in Linux environments. The remediation approach demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel space components and aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux Kernel Security documentation and various cybersecurity frameworks emphasizing secure coding practices for system-level software.