CVE-2024-42309 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem for the Intel GMA500 graphics driver, located in the function psb_intel_lvds_get_modes. The issue arises due to improper handling of the return value from the drm_mode_duplicate() function. When drm_mode_duplicate() fails, it returns a NULL pointer, which was not checked before being assigned to the variable 'mode'. This lack of validation leads to a potential NULL pointer dereference (NPD) vulnerability. A NULL pointer dereference in kernel space typically results in a kernel panic or system crash, causing a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability was addressed by adding a check to ensure that the pointer returned by drm_mode_duplicate() is not NULL before it is used, thereby preventing the NPD. The affected component, drm/gma500, is part of the Linux kernel's graphics stack, specifically targeting Intel GMA500 hardware, which is relatively niche compared to other Intel graphics drivers. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability was published on August 17, 2024, and the fix is incorporated in recent Linux kernel updates. The vulnerability does not appear to require user interaction or authentication to trigger, but exploitation would likely require local access to the system or the ability to invoke the affected driver code path. The impact primarily involves system stability rather than confidentiality or integrity compromise.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-42309 is the potential for denial of service due to kernel crashes on systems using the affected Intel GMA500 graphics driver. This could disrupt critical services or user productivity, especially in environments where uptime and availability are crucial, such as in industrial control systems, embedded devices, or legacy hardware still in operation. Since the vulnerability leads to a kernel panic, it could cause unexpected reboots or system downtime. However, the scope of impact is limited by the relatively narrow hardware affected (Intel GMA500) and the requirement for local code execution or access to the graphics driver. Confidentiality and integrity of data are unlikely to be directly impacted by this vulnerability. Nonetheless, service interruptions in sensitive environments could have secondary effects, such as delayed operations or loss of availability of critical applications. European organizations relying on Linux systems with this specific hardware should prioritize patching to maintain system stability and avoid operational disruptions.

1. Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the patch for CVE-2024-42309 as soon as they become available. This is the most effective way to eliminate the vulnerability. 2. Identify systems running the Intel GMA500 graphics hardware and verify if they are using affected kernel versions. This can be done using hardware inventory tools and kernel version checks. 3. For systems where updating the kernel is not immediately feasible, consider disabling the affected DRM driver module (gma500) if the hardware is not in use or if graphics functionality can be sacrificed temporarily. 4. Implement monitoring for kernel panics or unexpected reboots that could indicate attempts to trigger this vulnerability. 5. Restrict local access to critical systems to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel. 6. For embedded or legacy devices using Intel GMA500, coordinate with hardware vendors or system integrators to obtain patched firmware or kernel versions. 7. Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching schedules to ensure timely remediation across the organization.