CVE-2024-46851: drm/amd/display: Avoid race between dcn10_set_drr() and dc_state_destruct()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Avoid race between dcn10_set_drr() and dc_state_destruct()
dc_state_destruct() nulls the resource context of the DC state. The pipe
context passed to dcn10_set_drr() is a member of this resource context.
If dc_state_destruct() is called parallel to the IRQ processing (which
calls dcn10_set_drr() at some point), we can end up using already nulled
function callback fields of struct stream_resource.
The logic in dcn10_set_drr() already tries to avoid this, by checking tg
against NULL. But if the nulling happens exactly after the NULL check and
before the next access, then we get a race.
Avoid this by copying tg first to a local variable, and then use this
variable for all the operations. This should work, as long as nobody
frees the resource pool where the timing generators live.
(cherry picked from commit a3cc326a43bdc48fbdf53443e1027a03e309b643)
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel AMD display driver race condition. During display interrupt handling, one thread may use display state data while another clears it. The public record does not quantify impact or severity, so treat it as a kernel stability and integrity concern for affected AMD display systems.
Executive priority
Do not treat this as an internet-facing emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize normal kernel patching, with faster attention for Linux desktops, engineering workstations, or appliances that use AMD display hardware and affected kernels.
Technical view
The race is between dcn10_set_drr() and dc_state_destruct(). dc_state_destruct() can null the DC state resource context while IRQ processing still uses a pipe context inside it. The fix copies tg to a local variable before subsequent use, avoiding a time-of-check/time-of-use window after the NULL check.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using the AMD display driver on affected kernel versions or commits identified by the CVE record. Systems without AMD display hardware or without the affected kernel lineage are less likely exposed, but distribution backports must be checked directly.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. It also does not provide an attack vector, privileges required, or demonstrated exploitability. Do not assume remote exploitability from the available evidence.
Researcher notes
The CVE record describes a concurrency bug in drm/amd/display involving resource context teardown and interrupt-driven DRR handling. Impact details, CVSS, CWE, and exploit prerequisites are absent, so validation should focus on kernel version, commit presence, and downstream distro patch status.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check your Linux distribution advisory for backported fixes.
Prioritize AMD GPU/display workstations and graphical Linux endpoints.
Avoid direct wrangler-style assumptions; follow kernel or distribution guidance.
Track kernel fleet versions until affected builds are retired.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across AMD display systems.
Map installed kernels to the CVE affected version data.
Confirm whether referenced stable commits are present or backported.
Review distro security advisories for CVE-2024-46851 status.
Monitor kernel logs for AMD display instability while patching.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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CVE-2024-46851 mapping review
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