CVE-2024-42261 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem's v3d driver, which is responsible for managing graphics processing units (GPUs) on certain hardware platforms. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of synchronization object (syncobj) handles passed via the timestamp extension interface. When userspace applications provide an unknown or invalid handle within the handle array, the driver fails to properly handle this erroneous input, potentially leading to improper driver behavior or instability. The root cause is the lack of verification that each handle was successfully looked up before proceeding with further processing. The fix involves adding validation checks to ensure that any invalid or unknown handles cause the extension operation to fail gracefully by triggering an existing unwind mechanism, thereby preventing the driver from operating on invalid data. This vulnerability was addressed by a patch cherry-picked from commit 8d1276d1b8f738c3afe1457d4dff5cc66fc848a3 and published on August 17, 2024. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 9ba0ff3e083f6a4a0b6698f06bfff74805fefa5f. The issue is technical and pertains to kernel-level graphics driver code, which is critical for systems relying on GPU acceleration and graphical rendering.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-42261 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems using the affected kernel versions with the v3d DRM driver enabled. Potential impacts include system instability, denial of service (DoS) conditions due to driver crashes or kernel panics, and possibly escalation of privileges if the improper handling of invalid handles can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or corrupt kernel memory. Organizations relying on Linux-based infrastructure for graphical workloads, embedded systems, or specialized hardware that uses the v3d driver (commonly found in certain ARM-based platforms such as Raspberry Pi devices) may be particularly affected. Disruptions could impact development environments, IoT devices, or edge computing nodes. While no active exploits are reported, the vulnerability's presence in the kernel could be leveraged by attackers with local access or through compromised userspace applications to degrade system availability or stability. This could affect sectors such as manufacturing, research institutions, and technology companies that utilize Linux-based graphical systems. Additionally, the lack of a CVSS score and public exploit code means organizations must proactively assess and patch to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patch for CVE-2024-42261. Specifically, they should track kernel updates from their Linux distribution vendors or apply the upstream patch identified by commit 8d1276d1b8f738c3afe1457d4dff5cc66fc848a3. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should restrict access to systems running the affected kernel versions, especially limiting untrusted userspace applications from interacting with the DRM subsystem. Implementing strict user privilege separation and monitoring for abnormal GPU driver behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should audit their hardware inventory to identify devices using the v3d driver, such as ARM-based embedded systems, and ensure these devices are included in patch management processes. Employing kernel hardening techniques, such as enabling kernel lockdown modes and using security modules like SELinux or AppArmor, can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Finally, maintaining up-to-date backups and incident response plans will help mitigate potential impacts from any exploitation attempts.