CVE-2024-57978 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: imx-jpeg: Fix potential error pointer dereference in detach_pm()
The proble is on the first line:
if (jpeg->pd_dev[i] && !pm_runtime_suspended(jpeg->pd_dev[i]))
If jpeg->pd_dev[i] is an error pointer, then passing it to
pm_runtime_suspended() will lead to an Oops. The other conditions check for both error pointers and NULL, but it would be more clear to use the IS_ERR_OR_NULL() check for that.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57978 resides within the Linux kernel's imx-jpeg media driver, specifically in the detach_pm() function where a critical error pointer dereference flaw exists. This issue manifests when the driver attempts to manage power management runtime states for JPEG processing devices. The flaw occurs in a conditional check that fails to properly validate the state of jpeg->pd_dev[i] before passing it to the pm_runtime_suspended() function. When this pointer contains an error code rather than a valid device reference, the subsequent function call results in a kernel oops and system instability. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper error handling that can lead to system crashes and potential denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the driver's insufficient validation of device pointers within the power management subsystem. The problematic code structure checks for null pointers and suspended states but omits proper error pointer validation, creating a scenario where error codes returned by device initialization or allocation functions can be passed directly to power management functions. This pattern violates fundamental kernel security principles and demonstrates a lack of defensive programming practices. The issue specifically relates to CWE-476 which addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities, but in this context it manifests as error pointer dereference which is a more subtle but equally dangerous condition. The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors who can trigger the specific code path through improper device initialization sequences or by manipulating device state transitions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise the entire media processing subsystem on affected devices. Systems utilizing i.MX SoCs with JPEG hardware acceleration are particularly at risk, as these devices commonly appear in embedded systems, automotive applications, and industrial control equipment where reliability is paramount. The vulnerability can be triggered through normal device operation when power management routines are invoked, making it particularly concerning for production environments. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to cause system instability, leading to service disruption or in severe cases, system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities. The issue affects kernel versions where the imx-jpeg driver is present and active, typically found in embedded Linux distributions and custom kernel builds for ARM-based systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on implementing proper error pointer validation throughout the power management code path. The recommended solution involves replacing the current conditional check with IS_ERR_OR_NULL() macro to ensure that both error pointers and null values are properly handled before any power management functions are invoked. This approach aligns with established kernel development practices and security guidelines for defensive programming. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the patched imx-jpeg driver code, which typically includes the corrected validation logic. Additionally, monitoring for system crashes or unexpected oops messages in kernel logs can help identify systems that may be vulnerable. The fix demonstrates the importance of adhering to ATT&CK framework principles for kernel-level security, specifically addressing techniques related to privilege escalation and system stability compromise through improper error handling. Organizations should also implement proper kernel patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across all affected systems.