In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/amdgpu: fix usage slab after free. This vulnerability allows local attackers to exploit a use-after-free condition, potentially leading to unauthorized access and system instability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, classified as high severity. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it can be exploited locally with low complexity and minimal privileges required. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Risk to organizations includes potential data exposure and system crashes, making it essential for security teams to address this vulnerability promptly in their patch management cycle.
As of now, no public exploits have been confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not listed as actively exploited in KEV. However, organizations are advised to remain vigilant.
Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should ensure they are prepared for immediate remediation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56551 is characterized by a use-after-free condition in the Linux kernel, specifically within the AMD GPU driver. This flaw arises from improper management of memory allocation and deallocation, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The affected component is the Linux kernel, with the vulnerability being classified under CWE-416, which pertains to use-after-free issues.
This issue was published on December 27, 2024, and has undergone modifications since its initial disclosure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to manage memory correctly, leading to a use-after-free condition during the operation of the AMD GPU driver. Attackers may leverage this flaw by executing a crafted sequence of operations that manipulate the memory management routines of the kernel.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit the vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, as the exploitation does not require advanced skills or specific conditions. Additionally, it requires low privileges and no user interaction.
The impact of this vulnerability is critical, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, data leaks, and system crashes.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2024-56551 is significant, particularly for organizations that rely heavily on Linux systems and utilize AMD GPU hardware. The potential for local attackers to gain elevated privileges or execute arbitrary code can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and service interruptions.
The blast radius of this vulnerability can be extensive, affecting multiple systems within an organization if not addressed promptly. Organizations should assess their environments for the presence of vulnerable Linux kernel versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly.
Given the CVSS score of 7.8 and the lack of confirmed public exploits, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by this vulnerability: - All versions prior to 6.6.64 - Versions from 6.7 to 6.12.4 (exclusive)
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing the following workarounds: - Disable the affected AMD GPU drivers temporarily until the patch is applied. - Monitor system logs for unusual activity related to the GPU scheduler.
For more comprehensive security, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to validate remediation effectiveness.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following indicators: - Unusual memory access patterns in the GPU scheduler. - System crashes or unexpected behavior in applications utilizing the AMD GPU. - Review logs for any anomalies originating from the AMD PCI unplug task.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with memory management in kernel-level components. Security teams should enhance their focus on kernel security and memory handling practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Moreover, organizations should implement comprehensive security training for developers to recognize and mitigate such vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle.
For further insights and best practices, organizations can refer to resources such as the vulnerability management program and the penetration testing methodology for effective remediation strategies.
Lastly, organizations should stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities and trends in software security to bolster their defenses against future threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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