CVE-2024-53050

What it actually does

Missing encoder validation in intel_hdcp2_get_capability allows a null pointer dereference in the Linux kernel's i915 HDCP subsystem, resulting in kernel panic or memory corruption.

Why it matters to the business

Affected Linux systems with Intel graphics hardware may experience sudden crashes that interrupt workloads and services; the kernel is present in 145 downstream dependents, amplifying exposure across distributions and embedded devices.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access triggers the HDCP2 capability query path with an uninitialized or null encoder object, causing the dereference when the kernel attempts to access encoder fields.

How to fix it

Upgrade the Linux kernel to a version containing commit 5b89dcf23575eb5bb95ce8d672cbc2232c2eb096 or later; apply the corresponding stable or distribution update that includes the encoder check.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify the running kernel contains commit 5b89dcf23575eb5bb95ce8d672cbc2232c2eb096 via git log or uname; confirm absence of the vulnerable intel_hdcp2_get_capability code path in source or binary.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local user or unprivileged process execution on the target system
2. Interact with the graphics or display subsystem to invoke HDCP capability checks
3. Supply or force a code path that passes a null encoder to intel_hdcp2_get_capability
4. Trigger the null dereference resulting in kernel oops or panic

How to detect it

Review kernel logs for oops or panic messages containing i915, hdcp, or null pointer dereference references; search audit or system logs for processes triggering display or DRM subsystem calls around the time of crashes.

• i915 hdcp2_get_capability
• null pointer dereference in intel_hdcp
• kernel panic drm/i915/hdcp

What your security team should do

• Apply the kernel fix containing commit 5b89dcf23575eb5bb95ce8d672cbc2232c2eb096 as the highest priority patch
• Monitor for kernel oops/panic reports referencing i915 or hdcp after deployment
• Restrict untrusted local code execution on systems with Intel i915 graphics until patched