CVE-2024-31082 is a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability identified in the X.org server, specifically within the ProcAppleDRICreatePixmap() function. This function handles requests related to creating pixmaps using Apple’s Direct Rendering Infrastructure (DRI). The vulnerability manifests when the server processes replies containing byte-swapped length values, which can occur when a client with a different endianness communicates with the server. Due to improper validation of these length values, the server may read beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries, resulting in memory leakage and potential segmentation faults. The over-read continues until an unmapped memory page is encountered, causing the server to crash. Although the attacker cannot control the exact data leaked, the out-of-bounds read can expose sensitive heap memory contents. Exploitation requires local or network access with low privileges (AV:L/PR:L), no user interaction, and has a low attack complexity (AC:L). The vulnerability affects X.org server version 1.12.0, a widely used display server in many Linux distributions. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.3 reflects high confidentiality impact due to memory leakage, low integrity impact, and high availability impact due to crashes. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The issue was published on April 4, 2024, and is assigned by Red Hat. This vulnerability is particularly relevant in environments where clients with different endianness connect to the X server, such as mixed hardware architectures or emulated environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems running the affected X.org server version 1.12.0, especially in environments with mixed hardware architectures or legacy systems where clients with different endianness may connect. The primary impact is on confidentiality, as heap memory leakage could expose sensitive information residing in memory, including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other private data. Additionally, the vulnerability can cause denial of service through server crashes, impacting availability of graphical user interfaces and dependent applications. Sectors such as government agencies, research institutions, and technology companies that rely heavily on Linux-based graphical environments are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local or network access with low privileges means that attackers with limited access could exploit this flaw, increasing the threat surface. While no known exploits exist yet, the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability suggest that exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions and data exposure if left unmitigated.

1. Apply patches or updates from X.org or Linux distribution vendors as soon as they become available to address CVE-2024-31082. 2. Restrict access to the X server by limiting which users and systems can connect, using access control mechanisms such as xhost, xauth, or TCP wrappers. 3. Disable or restrict use of the Apple DRI extension if not required, reducing the attack surface related to the vulnerable function. 4. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual client connections, especially from clients with differing endianness or unexpected architectures. 5. Employ sandboxing or containerization for applications that interact with the X server to limit potential damage from exploitation. 6. For environments with mixed hardware architectures, consider standardizing endianness or isolating systems to prevent cross-endian client-server interactions. 7. Educate system administrators about the vulnerability and encourage prompt response to security advisories related to X.org. 8. Regularly audit and update legacy systems that may still be running vulnerable versions of X.org to reduce exposure.