CVE-2022-49490: drm/msm/mdp5: Return error code in mdp5_pipe_release when deadlock is detected
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/msm/mdp5: Return error code in mdp5_pipe_release when deadlock is detected
mdp5_get_global_state runs the risk of hitting a -EDEADLK when acquiring
the modeset lock, but currently mdp5_pipe_release doesn't check for if
an error is returned. Because of this, there is a possibility of
mdp5_pipe_release hitting a NULL dereference error.
To avoid this, let's have mdp5_pipe_release check if
mdp5_get_global_state returns an error and propogate that error.
Changes since v1:
- Separated declaration and initialization of *new_state to avoid
compiler warning
- Fixed some spelling mistakes in commit message
Changes since v2:
- Return 0 in case where hwpipe is NULL as this is considered normal
behavior
- Added 2nd patch in series to fix a similar NULL dereference issue in
mdp5_mixer_release
Patchwork: https://patchwork.freedesktop.org/patch/485179/
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel reliability flaw in the Qualcomm MSM MDP5 display driver. Under a deadlock error path, the driver may miss an error and dereference a NULL value. The public record does not provide CVSS, attacker requirements, or confirmed business impact.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted kernel maintenance item, not an internet-wide emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize patching where Qualcomm display hardware supports production, kiosk, mobile, or embedded workloads.
Technical view
mdp5_get_global_state can return -EDEADLK while acquiring the modeset lock. mdp5_pipe_release did not check that error before using the returned state, creating a possible NULL dereference. The fix propagates the error instead of continuing on the invalid state.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux kernels using the drm/msm/mdp5 display path, especially Qualcomm MSM/MDP5 environments on affected kernel versions. Generic Linux servers without this driver or hardware path are less likely exposed, but asset validation is required.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not cite active exploitation, KEV listing, public exploit code, or a remote attack path. It describes a kernel NULL dereference risk triggered through a deadlock/error path in display-driver state handling.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to CVE metadata and Linux stable commit references. The record lacks CVSS, CWE, exploitability analysis, and distribution-specific fixed versions. Avoid assuming remote exploitability or privilege escalation without additional vendor evidence.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor-supported kernel updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize affected Qualcomm MSM/MDP5 systems and embedded Linux images.
Check distribution advisories before backporting manually.
Avoid unsupported kernel patches without vendor validation.
Validation and detection
Inventory kernels and confirm whether drm/msm/mdp5 is present or enabled.
Compare deployed kernel versions against vendor fixed packages.
Review kernel logs for mdp5 or DRM NULL dereference crashes.
Confirm updated builds include the referenced stable commits.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
8Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Feb 26, 2025, 02:13 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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