CVE-2024-50031 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem, specifically within the v3d driver used for 3D graphics on Broadcom VideoCore IV GPUs, such as those found in Raspberry Pi devices. The issue arises when running the `kmscube` application with one or more performance monitors enabled via the `GALLIUM_HUD` interface. The vulnerability is triggered by improper handling of active performance monitors during the lifecycle of the `kmscube` process. When the process is interrupted or terminated, the active performance monitor is not explicitly stopped before the file descriptor is closed and the associated resources are freed. This results in a stale pointer (`v3d->active_perfmon`) remaining in the driver. If `kmscube` is restarted, the driver attempts to stop the active performance monitor using this invalid pointer, leading to a kernel panic due to a null or invalid memory reference. The kernel panic manifests as an 'Oops' error with a level 1 translation fault, indicating a failure to handle a kernel paging request. The root cause is a missing explicit stop call for the active performance monitor before destruction and freeing of its resources. This flaw can cause system instability and denial of service (DoS) by crashing the kernel. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions including the commit referenced (26a4dc29b74a137f45665089f6d3d633fcc9b662) and is particularly relevant to systems running the v3d driver, such as Raspberry Pi 4 Model B devices. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The fix involves modifying the driver code to explicitly stop the active performance monitor before destroying it, preventing use-after-free conditions and kernel panics.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50031 primarily concerns systems using Linux kernels with the v3d driver, notably Raspberry Pi devices deployed in various roles such as IoT gateways, edge computing nodes, digital signage, or embedded systems. The vulnerability can cause kernel panics leading to system crashes and denial of service, potentially disrupting critical operations relying on these devices. While the vulnerability does not directly lead to privilege escalation or remote code execution, the resulting instability can affect availability and operational continuity. Organizations using Raspberry Pi devices in production or industrial environments may experience service interruptions, increased maintenance overhead, and potential data loss if systems reboot unexpectedly. The impact is heightened in environments where unattended devices are deployed, as manual intervention may be required to restore service. Since the vulnerability requires running `kmscube` with performance monitors enabled—a scenario more common in development or diagnostic contexts—the risk to production systems may be lower but still present if similar workloads or monitoring tools are used. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability underscores the importance of kernel stability in embedded Linux deployments across Europe.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50031, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the patch explicitly stopping the active performance monitor before destruction. Monitor Linux kernel mailing lists and vendor advisories for the patch release. 2) Avoid running `kmscube` or similar applications with performance monitors enabled in production environments, especially on Raspberry Pi or other devices using the v3d driver. 3) For development or testing environments where `kmscube` is used, ensure proper shutdown procedures are followed to prevent abrupt termination that leaves stale pointers. 4) Implement monitoring and alerting for kernel panics or unexpected reboots on affected devices to enable rapid response. 5) Consider isolating Raspberry Pi devices running vulnerable kernels from critical network segments to limit impact of potential DoS conditions. 6) Evaluate alternative GPU drivers or kernel configurations if feasible, to reduce reliance on the vulnerable v3d driver until patched. 7) Maintain robust backup and recovery procedures for systems running embedded Linux to minimize downtime caused by kernel crashes.