CVE-2024-49972 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Deallocate DML memory if allocation fails
[Why]
When DC state create DML memory allocation fails, memory is not deallocated subsequently, resulting in uninitialized structure that is not NULL.
[How]
Deallocate memory if DML memory allocation fails.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49972 resides within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically within the AMD display driver component known as drm/amd/display. This issue represents a memory management flaw that occurs during the dynamic creation of display configuration states, where the driver attempts to allocate memory for Display Management Library (DML) structures. The root cause stems from inadequate error handling in the memory allocation process, creating a scenario where memory resources are not properly released when allocation attempts fail. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of resource leak or memory management error, which can have significant implications for system stability and security. The flaw manifests when the driver encounters a failure during the allocation of DML memory structures required for display state management, leaving behind uninitialized memory that may contain residual data from previous operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the display state creation logic where the driver attempts to allocate memory for DML structures necessary for managing display configurations. When the memory allocation function returns an error or fails to allocate the requested memory block, the driver fails to execute proper cleanup routines. This results in a memory leak where allocated memory remains reserved but is not properly deallocated, creating a scenario where subsequent operations may encounter uninitialized memory structures. The failure to properly manage this memory state can lead to unpredictable behavior within the display subsystem, potentially causing system instability or creating avenues for exploitation. The uninitialized structures that persist in memory may contain stale data or corrupted state information that could be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise system integrity. This issue demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where error paths are not properly handled, violating fundamental principles of secure memory management.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-49972 extends beyond simple memory leaks, as it represents a potential pathway for denial of service conditions within the graphics subsystem. When memory allocation failures occur during display state management, the system may experience gradual resource exhaustion as leaked memory accumulates over time, eventually leading to system instability or complete graphics subsystem failure. The uninitialized memory structures left in memory could potentially be exploited by attackers to manipulate display state information, creating scenarios where display output becomes corrupted or where malicious code could execute within the graphics processing context. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Linux kernels with AMD graphics hardware, where the display management subsystem is actively managing display configurations and state transitions. The impact is especially concerning in server environments or embedded systems where graphics processing is critical and system stability is paramount.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper error handling within the display driver's memory allocation routines to ensure that all allocated memory is properly deallocated when allocation failures occur. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates that contain the fix for this vulnerability, which typically involves modifying the driver code to include explicit memory deallocation calls whenever DML memory allocation fails. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that when memory allocation functions return failure codes, the driver immediately releases any previously allocated memory resources, preventing the accumulation of uninitialized structures. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory usage patterns that might indicate the presence of this vulnerability or similar memory management issues. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-459, which describes "Incomplete Cleanup" in software systems, and could potentially be leveraged to achieve ATT&CK technique T1059 for privilege escalation through system instability or resource exhaustion attacks.