CVE-2024-49984 is a recently disclosed vulnerability in the Linux kernel specifically affecting the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem's v3d driver, which is responsible for managing 3D graphics on certain Broadcom VideoCore GPUs. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking in the performance query extensions, particularly in the handling of the 'copy' and 'reset' extensions where the number of performance monitor (perfmon) IDs passed from userspace is not properly validated against the kernel's internal storage capacity. This flaw can lead to out-of-bounds memory access, which may result in memory corruption or potential information disclosure. The issue is rooted in the kernel's failure to verify that the count of perfmon IDs provided by userspace does not exceed the allocated buffer size within the kernel, thus allowing an attacker to cause unexpected behavior by supplying an excessive number of IDs. The vulnerability was addressed by adding proper validation to ensure that the number of perfmon IDs does not surpass the kernel's internal storage limits, preventing out-of-bounds access. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that this vulnerability is present in recent Linux kernel builds prior to the patch. This vulnerability is technical and low-level, affecting the kernel's graphics driver subsystem, which is critical for systems using affected hardware and drivers.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49984 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems utilizing the affected v3d DRM driver, commonly found in devices with Broadcom VideoCore GPUs such as certain embedded systems, IoT devices, and possibly some specialized computing environments. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow a local attacker or a malicious process to trigger out-of-bounds memory access, potentially leading to kernel memory corruption, system instability, or information leakage. This could undermine system integrity and availability, especially in environments where Linux is used for critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, or embedded devices in sectors like manufacturing, telecommunications, or automotive. Although remote exploitation is unlikely without local access, the vulnerability could be leveraged in multi-tenant or shared environments where untrusted users have some level of access. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for privilege escalation or denial of service remains a concern. European organizations relying on Linux-based embedded systems or specialized hardware with this driver should consider the risk of operational disruption or data compromise, particularly in regulated industries where system integrity is paramount.

To mitigate CVE-2024-49984, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to the latest patched versions that include the fix for this vulnerability. This involves tracking kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions and applying them promptly, especially for systems running on hardware with Broadcom VideoCore GPUs or using the v3d DRM driver. For embedded and IoT devices, coordinate with hardware vendors or device manufacturers to obtain firmware or kernel updates that address this issue. Additionally, organizations should audit their environments to identify systems using the affected driver and restrict untrusted user access to these systems to minimize the risk of local exploitation. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as SELinux or AppArmor policies to limit the capabilities of userspace processes interacting with DRM subsystems can further reduce attack surface. Monitoring system logs for unusual behavior related to DRM or performance query extensions may help detect attempted exploitation. Finally, incorporating this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows ensures ongoing protection as new information or exploits emerge.