CVE-2024-46710: drm/vmwgfx: Prevent unmapping active read buffers
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/vmwgfx: Prevent unmapping active read buffers
The kms paths keep a persistent map active to read and compare the cursor
buffer. These maps can race with each other in simple scenario where:
a) buffer "a" mapped for update
b) buffer "a" mapped for compare
c) do the compare
d) unmap "a" for compare
e) update the cursor
f) unmap "a" for update
At step "e" the buffer has been unmapped and the read contents is bogus.
Prevent unmapping of active read buffers by simply keeping a count of
how many paths have currently active maps and unmap only when the count
reaches 0.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A race condition in Linux’s vmwgfx graphics driver can unmap a cursor buffer while another operation is still reading it. A local, low-privileged user could potentially trigger serious confidentiality, integrity, or availability impact. The source bundle rates it CVSS 7.8, but provides no evidence of exploitation in the wild.
Executive priority
Treat as a high-priority kernel maintenance issue where vmwgfx is active and local untrusted access exists. Schedule prompt remediation through normal vendor-supported updates. Internet-facing emergency response is not supported by the evidence because exploitation requires local access and no active exploitation is reported.
Technical view
Concurrent KMS cursor paths can map the same buffer for update and comparison. One path may unmap it before the other finishes, causing the remaining read to consume invalid data. The kernel fix counts active mappings and delays unmapping until the count reaches zero.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running an affected kernel with the vmwgfx driver and relevant KMS cursor paths in use. The supplied version data identifies 5.19 and several later release points as affected, but does not provide enough clarity to define every vulnerable range reliably.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector describes local access, low attack complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. Potential impact is high across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CISA KEV status is false, and the supplied sources contain no evidence of public or active exploitation.
Researcher notes
The defect is a mapping-lifetime race in vmwgfx KMS cursor handling. The published resolution adds an active-map count and unmaps only at zero. The bundle provides no CWE, proof of concept, confirmed exploitation, or complete version-to-fix mapping; distribution-specific assessment remains necessary.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced vmwgfx fix.
Check Linux distribution advisories for the corrected package version.
Prioritize multi-user or otherwise untrusted systems using vmwgfx.
Apply vendor-recommended temporary controls if immediate kernel updating is impossible.
Validation and detection
Record the running kernel version and distribution package release.
Determine whether the vmwgfx driver is present and active.
Compare installed packages with vendor security advisories and fixed releases.
Confirm the installed kernel contains the active-map reference-counting fix.
Reboot after updating and verify the corrected kernel is running.
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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