CVE-2024-49970 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the AMD GPU driver component related to the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem. The flaw exists in the display code for the DCN401 hardware, where the function dcn401_stream_encoder_create improperly handles array indexing for the 'stream_enc_regs' array. This array is initialized with four elements (indices 0 through 3), but the function uses an 'eng_id' value as an index without sufficient bounds checking. If 'eng_id' equals 5, the code attempts to access an out-of-bounds index, leading to a buffer overflow condition. This can cause undefined behavior including potential memory corruption, crashes, or escalation of privileges depending on how the corrupted memory is used. The vulnerability was detected by static analysis tool smatch and fixed by implementing proper bounds checking to prevent out-of-bounds access. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable commit identified by the given hashes. This issue is critical in the context of kernel-level code because it can compromise system stability and security, especially on systems using AMD GPUs with the affected display hardware and driver versions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Linux kernels with the affected AMD GPU drivers, particularly those using DCN401 display hardware. The impact includes potential system crashes or kernel panics, which could disrupt business operations. More critically, if exploited, the buffer overflow could allow local attackers or malicious processes to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to privilege escalation and full system compromise. This is especially concerning for organizations relying on Linux servers, workstations, or embedded devices with AMD GPUs in critical infrastructure, research, or industrial environments. The undefined behavior caused by the overflow could also be leveraged to bypass security controls or compromise confidentiality and integrity of data. Although no exploits are known yet, the presence of a kernel-level buffer overflow warrants prompt attention to prevent future exploitation. The impact is heightened in environments with multi-user access or where untrusted code execution is possible, such as shared hosting, cloud services, or developer workstations.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for CVE-2024-49970. Since this vulnerability is in the kernel AMD GPU driver, kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, SUSE) should be applied as soon as they become available. Organizations should audit their systems to identify those running affected kernel versions with AMD GPUs using DCN401 hardware. For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable GPU driver if possible, or isolating affected systems to limit exposure. Monitoring kernel logs for unusual GPU driver errors or crashes can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, enforcing strict user privilege separation and minimizing local user access reduces the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also stay informed about any emerging exploits or further advisories related to this CVE. Finally, integrating this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows ensures timely remediation.