CVE-2024-46819 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amdgpu: the warning dereferencing obj for nbio_v7_4
if ras_manager obj null, don't print NBIO err data
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46819 resides within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically affecting the amdgpu driver component responsible for managing AMD GPU hardware. This issue manifests in the display rendering subsystem where the driver attempts to access memory structures without proper validation, creating a potential security risk through improper error handling mechanisms. The flaw occurs during the handling of RAS (Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability) manager objects within the NBIO (Network Bus Interface Unit) version 7.4 subsystem, which represents a critical component in AMD's GPU architecture for managing memory and communication pathways.
The technical root cause stems from a missing null pointer check in the driver's error reporting logic where the system attempts to dereference a pointer to ras_manager object without verifying whether it has been properly initialized. This condition creates a scenario where the driver continues execution and attempts to print NBIO error data even when the ras_manager object is null, leading to potential memory access violations or information disclosure. The vulnerability represents a classic instance of improper error handling that can be categorized under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference issues in software systems. This flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the driver fails to implement proper validation before accessing potentially uninitialized memory structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to exploit the improper error handling to gain insights into the system's internal memory structures or potentially cause denial of service conditions through memory access violations. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it could provide adversaries with information that might aid in more sophisticated attacks against the GPU subsystem. In environments where GPU acceleration is heavily utilized, such as servers, workstations, or cloud computing platforms, this vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt normal operations or extract sensitive data about the system's memory management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1547.001 for hijacking system processes and T1005 for data from local system, as it could potentially be used to gather system information or disrupt GPU operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments where GPU resources are shared, as it could provide a vector for information leakage between different users or applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper null pointer validation before accessing any memory structures within the driver's error handling code. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest kernel updates that contain the patched version of the amdgpu driver, which implements the necessary null checks to prevent the dereferencing of uninitialized objects. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual error reporting patterns that might indicate the exploitation of this vulnerability. The patch addresses the issue by ensuring that NBIO error data is only printed when the ras_manager object is properly initialized, effectively preventing the null pointer dereference condition. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to add additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of GPU driver components and comprehensive system monitoring will help identify any anomalous behavior that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.