CVE-2024-49922 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Check null pointers before using them
[WHAT & HOW]
These pointers are null checked previously in the same function, indicating they might be null as reported by Coverity. As a result, they need to be checked when used again.
This fixes 3 FORWARD_NULL issue reported by Coverity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49922 resides within the Linux kernel's drm/amd/display subsystem, specifically addressing a critical null pointer dereference issue that could potentially lead to system instability or denial of service conditions. This flaw manifests in the display driver component responsible for managing AMD graphics hardware, where the kernel fails to properly validate pointer references before utilization, creating an opportunity for exploitation that could disrupt normal system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a code pattern where pointers are validated for null status within the same function but are subsequently used without re-validation, creating a window where the system might attempt to dereference null pointers. This particular issue was identified through static analysis tools like Coverity, which detected three instances of FORWARD_NULL conditions where pointer values could potentially be null when accessed. The root cause lies in the improper handling of pointer validation logic, where developers assumed that previously checked null conditions would persist throughout the function execution, which is not guaranteed in complex code paths or when the system state changes between checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-49922 extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially affecting graphics rendering capabilities and overall system stability in environments utilizing AMD display hardware. When this vulnerability is exploited, it can lead to kernel panics, system lockups, or complete denial of service for graphics-intensive applications and user sessions. The vulnerability particularly affects systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics drivers, where display functionality is actively utilized, creating a significant risk for servers, workstations, and embedded systems that depend on reliable graphics processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates from vendors who have addressed the issue in their respective releases, as the fix involves implementing proper null pointer validation checks before pointer usage. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly in enterprise environments where AMD graphics hardware is prevalent, as the vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt services or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The fix aligns with industry best practices for secure coding and addresses CWE-476, which specifically covers null pointer dereference conditions, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful exploitation.