CVE-2025-37783 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/msm/dpu: Fix error pointers in dpu_plane_virtual_atomic_check
The function dpu_plane_virtual_atomic_check was dereferencing pointers returned by drm_atomic_get_plane_state without checking for errors. This could lead to undefined behavior if the function returns an error pointer.
This commit adds checks using IS_ERR to ensure that plane_state is valid before dereferencing them.
Similar to commit da29abe71e16 ("drm/amd/display: Fix error pointers in amdgpu_dm_crtc_mem_type_changed").
Patchwork: https://patchwork.freedesktop.org/patch/643132/
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-37783 resides within the Linux kernel's display subsystem, specifically affecting the drm/msm/dpu driver component. This issue represents a classic error handling flaw that can lead to system instability and potential security implications. The vulnerability manifests in the dpu_plane_virtual_atomic_check function where improper error pointer validation creates a path for undefined behavior execution. The flaw occurs when the function attempts to dereference pointers returned by drm_atomic_get_plane_state without first verifying their validity through proper error checking mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, though in this case it involves error pointers rather than traditional null values. The issue impacts the display management subsystem of Qualcomm Snapdragon-based devices that utilize the msm (mobile standalone multimedia) driver framework, making it particularly relevant for mobile and embedded Linux systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a critical gap in defensive programming practices within the graphics driver code. When drm_atomic_get_plane_state encounters an error condition, it returns an error pointer instead of a valid plane state structure. The dpu_plane_virtual_atomic_check function fails to validate this return value before proceeding with operations that assume the pointer contains valid data. This pattern of behavior creates a scenario where the kernel may attempt to access memory locations that are either invalid or contain corrupted data, leading to unpredictable system behavior. The fix implemented in this patch directly addresses the issue by incorporating IS_ERR checks before any pointer dereferencing occurs, following established patterns used in other similar fixes within the same codebase. The referenced commit da29abe71e16 demonstrates that this is a recognized pattern of vulnerability within the AMD display driver subsystem, indicating that similar issues may exist in other components of the graphics stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable privilege escalation or denial of service conditions within the graphics subsystem. When an error pointer is dereferenced, the kernel may crash or exhibit undefined behavior that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system resources or disrupt normal operation of display services. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1499 which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service" through kernel-level attacks. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the msm/dpu driver enabled, particularly those used in mobile devices, embedded systems, and automotive applications where Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are utilized. The patch addresses this by implementing defensive programming practices that are consistent with kernel security best practices and follow the established patterns used throughout the Linux graphics subsystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate kernel updates that incorporate the provided patch, ensuring that all systems running affected Linux distributions receive the necessary security updates. Organizations should prioritize patching systems that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and the msm/dpu driver framework, as these represent the primary attack surface for this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for kernel crashes or unexpected behavior in display subsystems, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates the importance of comprehensive error checking in kernel space code and serves as a reminder of the critical need for defensive programming practices in security-sensitive components. The implementation of IS_ERR checks throughout the kernel graphics subsystem helps prevent similar issues from emerging in other driver components, reinforcing the need for consistent security practices across all kernel subsystems. This vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining security in complex kernel drivers where multiple subsystems interact and error conditions can propagate through the system in unexpected ways.