CVE-2024-53201 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Fix null check for pipe_ctx->plane_state in dcn20_program_pipe
This commit addresses a null pointer dereference issue in dcn20_program_pipe(). Previously, commit 8e4ed3cf1642 ("drm/amd/display: Add null check for pipe_ctx->plane_state in dcn20_program_pipe") partially fixed the null pointer dereference issue. However, in dcn20_update_dchubp_dpp(), the variable pipe_ctx is passed in, and plane_state is accessed again through pipe_ctx. Multiple if statements directly call attributes of plane_state, leading to potential null pointer dereference issues. This patch adds necessary null checks to ensure stability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53201 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's AMD display subsystem, specifically affecting the dcn20_program_pipe function. This issue resides in the direct rendering manager (drm) framework's amd display driver component, which manages graphics hardware interfaces for advanced micro devices. The flaw manifests when processing display pipeline configurations where the pipe_ctx structure's plane_state member may be improperly validated, creating a potential crash condition that could disrupt system stability. The vulnerability stems from incomplete null pointer validation that was partially addressed in a previous commit but failed to account for all code paths where the plane_state reference is accessed, making it a persistent security concern within the graphics processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the dcn20_program_pipe function which processes display pipe configuration updates, particularly during the dcn20_update_dchubp_dpp() call sequence. When the pipe_ctx parameter is passed to this function, subsequent conditional logic directly accesses attributes of plane_state without adequate null validation checks. The flaw creates a scenario where multiple if statements attempt to dereference plane_state pointers that may be NULL, leading to immediate system crashes or potential privilege escalation opportunities. This pattern of inadequate null pointer checking violates fundamental software security principles and represents a classic example of CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities in software systems. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious actors to cause denial of service conditions or potentially gain elevated privileges within the operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-53201 extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to exploit kernel memory management functions. Systems utilizing AMD graphics hardware are particularly vulnerable when running display-intensive applications or when multiple display configurations are being managed simultaneously. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in system crashes, display corruption, or complete system hangs that would require manual intervention to resolve. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, as the null pointer dereference could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The impact is especially concerning for server environments or systems running graphics-intensive workloads where display stability is critical for continuous operation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-53201 should prioritize immediate patch application from kernel vendors, as the vulnerability represents an active threat that requires urgent remediation. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for kernel crash events or display-related system instability that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in this patch demonstrates proper defensive programming practices by adding comprehensive null checks before accessing potentially uninitialized pointers, which aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing null pointer dereference conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel lockdown mechanisms and restricting user access to graphics subsystems where possible, as part of broader defense-in-depth strategies. Additionally, regular kernel updates and security audits of graphics drivers should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the display subsystem, particularly focusing on the drm/amd/display driver components that handle critical graphics pipeline operations.