CVE-2024-49894 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the AMD GPU driver component related to display management. The flaw exists in the function cm_helper_translate_curve_to_degamma_hw_format, which is responsible for translating color curve data into a hardware-specific degamma format. The vulnerability is an index out of bounds error where the index 'i' used to access transfer function points can exceed the maximum allowed number (TRANSFER_FUNC_POINTS). This leads to a buffer overflow condition affecting the red, green, and blue color point arrays (output_tf->tf_pts.red, green, blue). The root cause is the lack of proper boundary checks before accessing these arrays. The fix implemented adds a boundary check to ensure 'i' is within the valid range before accessing the arrays, and returns false if the index is out of bounds, preventing the overflow. This vulnerability was detected by static analysis (smatch) and affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel identified by the same commit hash. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. However, the vulnerability could potentially be triggered by maliciously crafted input to the AMD GPU driver, possibly leading to memory corruption, which could be leveraged for denial of service or privilege escalation attacks depending on the context of exploitation. The vulnerability is confined to the AMD GPU driver code path related to display color processing, which is a specialized subsystem within the Linux kernel.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49894 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems utilizing AMD GPUs, particularly those running kernel versions affected by this vulnerability. Organizations relying on Linux servers or workstations with AMD graphics hardware could face risks of system instability or crashes if the vulnerability is exploited, potentially leading to denial of service conditions. More critically, if an attacker can craft input that triggers the buffer overflow, it may allow for escalation of privileges or arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, posing a severe security risk. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Sectors with high reliance on Linux-based infrastructure and AMD GPUs, such as research institutions, media production companies, and cloud service providers in Europe, could be particularly vulnerable. Additionally, critical infrastructure entities using Linux with AMD GPUs for visualization or control systems might face operational disruptions. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the presence of a kernel-level buffer overflow warrants prompt attention to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for CVE-2024-49894. Since the vulnerability resides in the AMD GPU driver, systems without AMD graphics hardware or those using different GPU vendors are not affected, so asset inventory should be used to identify impacted hosts. Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Audit all Linux systems to identify those running affected kernel versions with AMD GPU drivers. 2) Apply vendor-provided kernel updates or patches that include the boundary check fix. 3) For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or blacklisting the AMD GPU driver module temporarily to mitigate risk, if this does not impact critical operations. 4) Monitor system logs and GPU driver messages for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) to reduce exploitation likelihood. 6) Engage in proactive vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on GPU driver attack surfaces. 7) Maintain strict access controls and limit user privileges to reduce the potential impact of exploitation.