CVE-2024-46775 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Validate function returns
[WHAT & HOW]
Function return values must be checked before data can be used in subsequent functions.
This fixes 4 CHECKED_RETURN issues reported by Coverity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46775 resides within the linux kernel's drm/amd/display subsystem, specifically addressing a critical issue related to improper function return value validation. This flaw represents a classic unchecked return value problem that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential security implications within the graphics display subsystem. The vulnerability affects the AMD display driver component responsible for managing display outputs and graphics rendering operations in linux systems. The issue stems from the failure to validate return values from function calls before utilizing the returned data in subsequent operations, creating a pathway for potential exploitation through malformed input or unexpected function behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-252, which specifically addresses unchecked return values in software development practices. When functions return error codes or status indicators, proper validation should occur before proceeding with operations that depend on successful completion of the preceding function call. In the context of display drivers, this can result in memory corruption, null pointer dereferences, or other undefined behaviors when the driver attempts to process data from functions that may have failed. The Coverity static analysis tool identified four instances of this pattern, indicating that the vulnerability manifests in multiple locations within the amd display driver codebase where return values are not properly validated before subsequent data usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple functional failures to potentially compromise system stability and security. When display driver functions fail to validate their return values, malicious actors could exploit this weakness to cause system crashes, data corruption, or potentially escalate privileges through carefully crafted inputs that trigger the flawed code paths. The drm/amd/display subsystem handles critical graphics operations including framebuffer management, display mode setting, and hardware register configuration, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems that rely heavily on proper graphics functionality. The vulnerability could be exploited in scenarios where an attacker has access to graphics-related system interfaces or can influence the parameters passed to display driver functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-46775 should focus on implementing comprehensive return value validation across all functions within the affected drm/amd/display subsystem. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest kernel updates that contain the patched code, as the fix involves proper validation of function return codes before data usage. The solution requires modifying the driver code to ensure that all function calls return values are checked against expected success or failure states before proceeding with dependent operations. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques by preventing potentially malicious code execution through proper input validation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for system stability issues that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could manifest as unexpected system crashes or display-related errors. The fix addresses fundamental software development practices that are essential for maintaining secure and reliable graphics subsystems in linux environments, particularly in enterprise and server configurations where graphics performance and stability are critical.