CVE-2024-49969 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the AMD GPU driver component responsible for display color management (DCN30 color transformation). The flaw exists in the function cm3_helper_translate_curve_to_hw_format, which translates color transfer curves into a hardware-specific format. The vulnerability is an index out of bounds error that occurs when the index 'i' used to access transfer function points exceeds the defined maximum number of points (TRANSFER_FUNC_POINTS). This leads to potential buffer overflow conditions when writing to the red, green, and blue transfer function point arrays. The root cause is insufficient bounds checking before accessing these arrays. The fix implemented adds a boundary check to ensure the index is within valid limits, returning false if it is not, thereby preventing out-of-bounds memory access. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 03f54d7d3448dc1668568d1adb69b43c1d1dc79f and likely other versions containing the same code. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the flaw could potentially be triggered by specially crafted inputs to the AMD GPU driver’s color management routines, possibly leading to memory corruption. The impact could range from denial of service (kernel crash) to potential escalation of privileges or arbitrary code execution depending on how the corrupted memory is leveraged. However, exploitation complexity is likely moderate as it requires interaction with the GPU driver and specific conditions to trigger the out-of-bounds access. No CVSS score is provided, but the vulnerability is significant due to its presence in a core kernel component affecting AMD GPU users on Linux systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Linux with AMD GPUs, which are common in both enterprise and research environments. Potential impacts include system instability or crashes if the vulnerability is triggered, leading to denial of service conditions. More critically, if exploited, it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, or lateral movement within networks. Organizations relying on Linux servers for critical infrastructure, cloud services, or development environments that utilize AMD GPUs are at risk. The vulnerability could also affect workstations used in graphics-intensive tasks, potentially impacting productivity and data security. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, the impact extends beyond individual applications to the entire system, increasing the severity of potential breaches.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to versions where this vulnerability is patched. Since the fix involves a code change in the AMD GPU driver, applying the latest stable kernel releases or vendor-specific patches is essential. Organizations using custom or long-term support kernels should monitor vendor advisories for backported fixes. Additionally, restricting access to systems with AMD GPUs to trusted users and limiting exposure to untrusted inputs that could trigger the vulnerability reduces risk. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), and enabling security modules like SELinux or AppArmor can help mitigate exploitation impact. Monitoring system logs for GPU driver errors or unusual behavior may provide early detection of attempted exploitation. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling or blacklisting the AMD GPU driver temporarily can be considered, though this may impact system functionality. Finally, organizations should ensure robust incident response plans are in place to quickly address any exploitation attempts.