CVE-2024-27042 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's AMD GPU driver component, specifically within the function amdgpu_discovery_reg_base_init() located in drivers/gpu/drm/amd/amdgpu/amdgpu_discovery.c. The flaw arises due to an out-of-bounds array access caused by improper ordering of a bounds check. The array in question, adev->vcn.vcn_config, is indexed using adev->vcn.num_vcn_inst without first verifying that this index is within the valid range of the array. This results in a potential out-of-bounds read or write, which can lead to undefined behavior including memory corruption. The vulnerability is fixed by moving the bounds check to occur before the array access, ensuring that the index is validated prior to use. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the specified commit hash a0ccc717c4ab3ef572f023fdceffb4b6df496a0d, which corresponds to recent kernel builds. The flaw is located in the AMD GPU driver, which is responsible for managing AMD graphics hardware, particularly the Video Core Next (VCN) component used for video decoding and encoding. This vulnerability could be triggered by local users or processes that interact with the GPU driver, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system instability if exploited. Since the flaw involves kernel-level code and hardware interaction, exploitation could impact system integrity and availability. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploit code is available at this time.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27042 depends largely on the prevalence of AMD GPU hardware running vulnerable Linux kernel versions within their infrastructure. Organizations using Linux servers or workstations with AMD GPUs for compute, graphics, or video processing tasks could face risks of system crashes, kernel panics, or potentially privilege escalation if an attacker can trigger the out-of-bounds access. This could disrupt critical services, especially in sectors relying on GPU-accelerated workloads such as media production, scientific computing, or cloud services. Additionally, if exploited, attackers could gain elevated privileges on affected systems, leading to further compromise of sensitive data or lateral movement within networks. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in kernel code means that patching is critical to maintain system stability and security. European organizations with strict compliance requirements for system integrity and uptime should prioritize remediation to avoid operational disruptions and potential data breaches.

To mitigate CVE-2024-27042, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the patch fixing the bounds check in the amdgpu driver. This is the most effective and direct mitigation. 2) Audit and inventory systems to identify those running AMD GPUs with vulnerable kernel versions, prioritizing critical infrastructure and exposed systems. 3) Limit access to systems with AMD GPUs to trusted users and processes, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 4) Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and strict module loading policies to reduce attack surface. 5) Monitor system logs and GPU driver messages for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6) For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or unloading the amdgpu driver if GPU functionality is not essential, as a temporary workaround. 7) Engage with Linux distribution vendors and maintain awareness of updates related to this vulnerability to ensure timely patch deployment.