CVE-2024-41095 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem's nouveau driver, which handles NVIDIA graphics hardware. The flaw exists in the function nv17_tv_get_ld_modes, where the return value of drm_mode_duplicate() is assigned to a pointer variable 'mode' without verifying if the function call succeeded. drm_mode_duplicate() can fail and return a NULL pointer, and the absence of a NULL check leads to a potential NULL pointer dereference (NPD). This can cause the kernel to crash or behave unpredictably when the pointer is dereferenced, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability is rooted in improper error handling in the nouveau driver's display code for certain NVIDIA GPUs (nv17 series). While this is not a remote code execution vulnerability, a kernel crash can disrupt system availability and potentially impact dependent services. The issue has been addressed by adding a NULL pointer check after drm_mode_duplicate() to prevent dereferencing a NULL pointer. The affected versions correspond to specific Linux kernel commits prior to the patch. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (July 29, 2024).

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-41095 is the risk of system instability or denial of service on Linux systems utilizing the nouveau driver for NVIDIA graphics hardware. This is particularly relevant for organizations running Linux-based servers, workstations, or embedded systems with affected GPUs. The vulnerability could lead to unexpected kernel panics or crashes, causing downtime and potential disruption of critical services. While it does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, availability is affected. Organizations in sectors relying heavily on Linux infrastructure—such as finance, telecommunications, research institutions, and public administration—may experience operational interruptions. Additionally, systems used for graphical workloads or GPU-accelerated tasks could be more exposed. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to maintain system stability and prevent potential exploitation attempts that could trigger denial of service.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patches that fix the NULL pointer dereference in the nouveau driver's nv17_tv_get_ld_modes function as soon as they become available. Monitor Linux kernel mailing lists and distribution security advisories for updates. 2. For organizations using Linux distributions with long-term support (LTS), ensure that kernel updates are applied in a timely manner, especially those addressing DRM and nouveau driver components. 3. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling the nouveau driver or switching to the proprietary NVIDIA driver temporarily, if compatible with organizational requirements, to mitigate exposure. 4. Implement robust monitoring and alerting for kernel panics or unexpected reboots on Linux systems to detect potential exploitation or triggering of this vulnerability. 5. Conduct an inventory of Linux systems with NVIDIA GPUs and the nouveau driver enabled to prioritize patch deployment. 6. For critical systems, consider deploying kernel live patching solutions where supported to minimize downtime during remediation. 7. Engage with hardware and software vendors to confirm compatibility and support for patched kernels and drivers.