CVE-2024-46816 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the AMD GPU driver component, drm/amd/display. The issue arises from improper handling of the number of display links during the initialization of the AMD GPU display manager (amdgpu_dm). The vulnerability is due to a lack of validation ensuring that the number of links does not exceed the maximum allowed (max_links). According to the technical details, the link count could reach up to AMDGPU_DM_MAX_DISPLAY_INDEX, which is 31, while the dc->links array only supports up to max_links elements. This discrepancy can lead to an out-of-bounds array access or buffer overrun condition during the initialization process. The root cause was identified through a Coverity static analysis report that flagged an OVERRUN warning. The fix involves enforcing a check to ensure that the link count is less than max_links before proceeding with initialization, thereby preventing potential memory corruption or instability in the kernel's AMD GPU driver. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to cause denial of service (kernel crash) or, in a worst-case scenario, privilege escalation if an attacker can manipulate the link count to trigger memory corruption. The affected versions are identified by a specific git commit hash, indicating this is a recent issue addressed in the Linux kernel source. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploit code is available at this time.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-46816 depends largely on their use of Linux systems with AMD GPUs, particularly in environments where the Linux kernel is used with the affected AMD GPU driver. Potential impacts include system instability or crashes due to kernel memory corruption, which could disrupt critical services or operations. In environments where Linux servers or workstations are used for graphical workloads, multimedia processing, or compute tasks leveraging AMD GPUs, this vulnerability could lead to denial of service conditions. While exploitation for privilege escalation is theoretically possible, it would require local access and specific conditions, limiting remote exploitation risks. However, organizations running Linux-based infrastructure with AMD GPU hardware in sectors such as media production, scientific research, or engineering could face operational disruptions. Additionally, if attackers gain local access, they might exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. Given the widespread use of Linux in European data centers, research institutions, and enterprises, unpatched systems could be vulnerable to targeted attacks or accidental crashes, impacting availability and operational continuity.

To mitigate CVE-2024-46816, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Since the issue is in the AMD GPU driver initialization code, kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions that incorporate this patch should be applied promptly. Organizations should audit their systems to identify Linux hosts using AMD GPUs and verify kernel versions. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, temporary mitigations include restricting access to systems with AMD GPUs to trusted users only, minimizing local user privileges, and monitoring system logs for unusual kernel errors or crashes related to the AMD GPU driver. Additionally, organizations should implement strict access controls and endpoint security measures to prevent unauthorized local access, as exploitation requires local interaction. Testing kernel updates in staging environments before deployment can help ensure stability. Finally, maintaining up-to-date hardware drivers and firmware from AMD and Linux distributions will reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities.