CVE-2024-42261

What it actually does

The flaw allows userspace to supply unknown or invalid DRM syncobj handles in the timestamp extension array without validation, causing subsequent driver code to fail handling the error condition.

Why it matters to the business

Systems using affected Linux kernels may experience graphics driver instability or crashes when untrusted applications submit malformed requests, disrupting display and rendering workloads across many downstream dependents.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local userspace access crafts a DRM ioctl containing an invalid syncobj handle in the timestamp extension; the lack of validation lets the request proceed into error paths that the driver does not safely unwind, resulting in unintended behavior.

How to fix it

Upgrade the Linux kernel to a version containing commit 5c56f104edd02a537e9327dc543574e55713e1d7 or later; apply the equivalent fix in any downstream distribution packages. Where Vite packages are also present, ensure versions 2.9.16, 3.2.7, 4.0.5, 4.1.5, 4.2.3 or 4.3.9 are used.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the presence of the validation check for successful handle lookup before processing the timestamp extension; verify the fixed commit is included in the running kernel and test the extension with deliberately invalid handles to ensure clean failure.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access to submit DRM ioctls
2. Prepare timestamp extension request with invalid syncobj handle
3. Invoke the extension to reach unhandled error paths in v3d driver

How to detect it

Review kernel logs for v3d driver error paths triggered by timestamp extension calls; look for unexpected failures when handling syncobj arrays from userspace processes.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on systems exposing DRM/v3d hardware
• Monitor for any local graphics-related crashes after patching
• Review application code that interacts with DRM syncobjs for handle validation