CVE-2026-31488: drm/amd/display: Do not skip unrelated mode changes in DSC validation
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/amd/display: Do not skip unrelated mode changes in DSC validation
Starting with commit 17ce8a6907f7 ("drm/amd/display: Add dsc pre-validation in
atomic check"), amdgpu resets the CRTC state mode_changed flag to false when
recomputing the DSC configuration results in no timing change for a particular
stream.
However, this is incorrect in scenarios where a change in MST/DSC configuration
happens in the same KMS commit as another (unrelated) mode change. For example,
the integrated panel of a laptop may be configured differently (e.g., HDR
enabled/disabled) depending on whether external screens are attached. In this
case, plugging in external DP-MST screens may result in the mode_changed flag
being dropped incorrectly for the integrated panel if its DSC configuration
did not change during precomputation in pre_validate_dsc().
At this point, however, dm_update_crtc_state() has already created new streams
for CRTCs with DSC-independent mode changes. In turn,
amdgpu_dm_commit_streams() will never release the old stream, resulting in a
memory leak. amdgpu_dm_atomic_commit_tail() will never acquire a reference to
the new stream either, which manifests as a use-after-free when the stream gets
disabled later on:
BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in dc_stream_release+0x25/0x90 [amdgpu]
Write of size 4 at addr ffff88813d836524 by task kworker/9:9/29977
Workqueue: events drm_mode_rmfb_work_fn
Call Trace:
<TASK>
dump_stack_lvl+0x6e/0xa0
print_address_description.constprop.0+0x88/0x320
? dc_stream_release+0x25/0x90 [amdgpu]
print_report+0xfc/0x1ff
? srso_alias_return_thunk+0x5/0xfbef5
? __virt_addr_valid+0x225/0x4e0
? dc_stream_release+0x25/0x90 [amdgpu]
kasan_report+0xe1/0x180
? dc_stream_release+0x25/0x90 [amdgpu]
kasan_check_range+0x125/0x200
dc_stream_release+0x25/0x90 [amdgpu]
dc_state_destruct+0x14d/0x5c0 [amdgpu]
dc_state_release.part.0+0x4e/0x130 [amdgpu]
dm_atomic_destroy_state+0x3f/0x70 [amdgpu]
drm_atomic_state_default_clear+0x8ee/0xf30
? drm_mode_object_put.part.0+0xb1/0x130
__drm_atomic_state_free+0x15c/0x2d0
atomic_remove_fb+0x67e/0x980
Since there is no reliable way of figuring out whether a CRTC has unrelated
mode changes pending at the time of DSC validation, remember the value of the
mode_changed flag from before the point where a CRTC was marked as potentially
affected by a change in DSC configuration. Reset the mode_changed flag to this
earlier value instead in pre_validate_dsc().
(cherry picked from commit cc7c7121ae082b7b82891baa7280f1ff2608f22b)
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-31488 is a Linux kernel AMD display driver flaw. Under specific display reconfiguration conditions, the driver can mishandle internal display stream state, causing a memory leak and later use-after-free. The assigned CVSS score is 7.8 because successful local exploitation could affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for Linux desktop, engineering workstation, and shared lab fleets with AMD graphics. It is not currently evidenced as internet-exploited, but the impact rating and kernel memory-safety nature justify prompt patching during the next urgent endpoint maintenance cycle.
Technical view
The issue is in drm/amd/display DSC validation. pre_validate_dsc() can incorrectly clear mode_changed during a KMS commit combining MST/DSC changes with unrelated mode changes. Later commit handling may retain an old stream and miss a new reference, leading to memory leak and use-after-free in dc_stream_release.
Likely exposure
Most relevant exposure is Linux systems using affected kernels with AMDGPU display support, especially laptops or workstations using internal panels with external DisplayPort MST/DSC displays. Headless servers or systems without AMD display hardware are less likely exposed, but kernel package status should drive final scope.
Exploitation context
The source bundle marks KEV as false, and no provided source states active exploitation. CVSS indicates local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. The public description demonstrates the crash condition with KASAN, but does not provide exploit maturity evidence.
Researcher notes
Focus validation on the AMDGPU display path and kernel versions containing commit 17ce8a6907f7 before the cited fixes. The triggering scenario involves combined DSC/MST and unrelated mode changes in one atomic commit. Evidence is sufficient for root cause and remediation direction, but exploitability details remain incomplete in the provided sources.
Mitigation direction
Apply Linux kernel or distribution updates containing the referenced stable fixes.
Use Red Hat advisories RHSA-2026:30848, RHSA-2026:27353, and RHSA-2026:27354 where applicable.
Check vendor kernel guidance if running non-Red Hat distributions or custom kernels.
Prioritize systems with AMD GPUs and exposed local multi-user access.
Temporarily reduce untrusted local access on affected workstations until patched.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and AMDGPU display usage across endpoints.
Check whether deployed kernels include one of the referenced stable commits.
Review vendor advisory status for each distribution and kernel stream.
Search logs for amdgpu, KASAN, drm, or dc_stream_release use-after-free indicators.
Confirm patched systems boot the updated kernel, not an older installed kernel.
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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CWE-1288: Exact CWE lookup
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2CVSS vectors
5Timeline events
1ADP providers
13Source links
CVSS vector scores
2 official scores
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CWE-1288 · source CWE mapping
Improper Validation of Consistency within Input
Improper Validation of Consistency within Input represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.