CVE-2024-49890 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/pm: ensure the fw_info is not null before using it
This resolves the dereference null return value warning reported by Coverity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49890 resides within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically in the amdgpu power management driver component. This issue affects systems utilizing AMD graphics hardware where the kernel's display subsystem interacts with the power management firmware to regulate graphics performance and energy consumption. The flaw manifests in the drm/amd/pm module which handles communication between the kernel and AMD's power management firmware components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient null pointer validation when processing firmware information structures, creating a potential path for system instability or denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic null pointer dereference scenario where the code attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly validated for null values. When the firmware information structure fw_info fails to initialize correctly or returns a null value during the power management initialization process, subsequent code execution attempts to dereference this null pointer without proper validation. This condition violates fundamental safe programming practices and creates a potential crash scenario that can be exploited to disrupt normal system operations. The Coverity static analysis tool detected this warning during code review processes, highlighting the absence of null pointer checks before memory access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially affecting graphics performance and overall system stability in environments utilizing AMD graphics hardware. When the null pointer dereference occurs, it can result in kernel oops messages, system panics, or complete system lockups depending on the specific execution context and timing of the failure. This vulnerability particularly impacts servers and desktop systems running Linux distributions with AMD graphics cards where the power management subsystem is actively engaged. The condition may be triggered during system boot processes, graphics driver initialization, or runtime power management operations when the kernel attempts to query firmware capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49890 involve applying the upstream kernel patch that implements proper null pointer validation before firmware information structures are accessed. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions containing the fix, typically found in kernel releases 6.10 and later. The fix implements a defensive programming approach that checks for null return values from firmware information retrieval functions before proceeding with memory access operations. This aligns with CWE-476 which identifies null pointer dereference as a common vulnerability pattern, and follows ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for system disruption through kernel-level manipulation. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential kernel oops or system crash events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular kernel updates and security patch management processes become critical for maintaining system integrity and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the graphics subsystem.