CVE-2024-46871 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the AMDGPU Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) driver component, which handles AMD graphics hardware. The issue arises from an incorrect definition of the constant AMDGPU_DMUB_NOTIFICATION_MAX, which is used to size arrays related to notification handling in the AMD Display Microcontroller Unit (DMUB) subsystem. The vulnerability stems from the enumeration dmub_notification_type exposing six notification types, while the array sizes for dmub_callback and dmub_thread_offload were defined to accommodate only five elements. This discrepancy leads to a potential out-of-bounds array access when the sixth notification type is processed. Out-of-bounds access in kernel space can lead to undefined behavior, including memory corruption, which may be exploitable to cause system crashes (denial of service) or potentially privilege escalation if an attacker can manipulate the conditions under which the out-of-bounds access occurs. The flaw was addressed by correcting the defined maximum value to match the actual number of notification types, thereby preventing the out-of-bounds access. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability was reserved and published in September and October 2024 respectively. The affected versions are specific Linux kernel commits identified by their hashes, indicating this is a recent and specific codebase issue rather than a broadly versioned kernel release. No CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-46871 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems using AMD GPUs with the affected kernel versions. Organizations running Linux servers, workstations, or embedded devices with AMD graphics hardware could be vulnerable to kernel crashes or potential privilege escalation attacks if the vulnerability is exploited. This could lead to service disruptions, data loss, or unauthorized access to sensitive systems. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, successful exploitation could compromise system integrity and availability. Critical infrastructure, research institutions, and enterprises relying on AMD GPU-accelerated Linux environments for compute or graphical workloads may face operational risks. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate threat levels, though the vulnerability should be treated seriously due to its kernel-level impact and potential for exploitation if weaponized.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-46871 as soon as patches become available from their Linux distribution vendors or directly from the Linux kernel mainline. Until patches are applied, organizations should audit systems running AMD GPU hardware for the affected kernel versions and consider restricting access to these systems to trusted users only. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), and enabling security modules like SELinux or AppArmor can reduce exploitation risk. Monitoring system logs for unusual kernel errors or crashes related to the AMDGPU driver may help detect attempted exploitation. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling or unloading the AMDGPU driver may be considered if it does not impact critical operations. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential denial-of-service impacts.