CVE-2023-52470 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem for Radeon graphics devices. The issue arises in the function radeon_crtc_init(), which is responsible for initializing the CRT controller (CRTC) for Radeon GPUs. The vulnerability is due to the lack of checking the return value of the alloc_workqueue() function call. alloc_workqueue() is used to allocate a workqueue, which is a kernel mechanism for deferring work to be processed later in a safe context. If alloc_workqueue() fails and returns NULL, subsequent dereferencing of this null pointer leads to a null pointer dereference (null-ptr-deref) condition. This can cause a kernel crash (kernel panic) or system instability, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution directly, but the kernel crash can disrupt system availability. The patch involves adding proper checks for the alloc_workqueue() return value in radeon_crtc_init() to prevent null pointer dereference. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash, indicating the vulnerability is present in certain recent Linux kernel builds prior to the fix. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability was published on February 25, 2024, and is confirmed by the Linux project and CISA enrichment. This issue is relevant for systems running Linux kernels with Radeon DRM drivers, which are common in many Linux distributions used in servers, desktops, and embedded devices.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2023-52470 is the potential for denial of service due to kernel crashes on systems using affected Linux kernels with Radeon GPU drivers. This can disrupt critical services, especially in environments relying on Linux servers or workstations with Radeon graphics hardware. Industries such as finance, manufacturing, research institutions, and public sector entities that use Linux-based systems with Radeon GPUs could experience operational interruptions. Although the vulnerability does not currently enable privilege escalation or data breaches, the availability impact can lead to downtime, loss of productivity, and potential cascading effects on dependent systems. Organizations with high availability requirements or those running containerized or virtualized environments on affected kernels should be particularly cautious. Since no exploits are known in the wild, the immediate risk is moderate, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to accidental or targeted triggering of the null pointer dereference, which could be leveraged in denial-of-service attacks.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patch that includes the fix for CVE-2023-52470 as soon as it becomes available in your distribution's kernel updates. 2. For organizations compiling custom kernels, ensure the patch is integrated and tested before deployment. 3. Monitor kernel logs and system stability for signs of null pointer dereference or unexpected kernel panics related to Radeon DRM. 4. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling the Radeon DRM driver or switching to alternative GPU drivers where feasible to mitigate risk. 5. Implement robust system monitoring and automated reboot or failover mechanisms to minimize downtime in case of kernel crashes. 6. Maintain strict access controls and limit user permissions to reduce the risk of accidental or malicious triggering of the vulnerability. 7. Stay informed through vendor advisories and security mailing lists for any updates or emerging exploit information related to this vulnerability.