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
A Linux AMD graphics display bug can mishandle internal display objects when monitor and display-mode changes occur together. This creates a memory leak and later use-after-free in the kernel, potentially affecting system stability and security. The supplied CVSS score is 7.8, reflecting high potential impact, although demonstrated outcomes beyond the reported memory corruption are not provided.
Executive priority
Prioritize affected AMDGPU workstations and laptops, especially systems using docks, multiple displays, DisplayPort MST, DSC, or changing HDR modes. Apply normal high-severity kernel patching timelines; accelerate where local users are untrusted or display-related crashes have occurred. There is no supplied evidence supporting an emergency response for active exploitation.
Technical view
AMDGPU DSC pre-validation can incorrectly clear a CRTC mode_changed flag during a combined MST/DSC and unrelated mode change. The commit path then retains an old stream without referencing the replacement. Disabling the stream later can trigger a use-after-free in dc_stream_release. The correction preserves the earlier mode_changed value rather than unconditionally clearing it.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to affected Linux kernels using AMDGPU display functionality. The reported scenario involves DSC/MST reconfiguration combined with another display-mode change, such as attaching external DisplayPort MST screens while an integrated panel changes configuration. Systems without relevant AMD graphics or display workflows are unlikely to reach this code path. Exact distribution package status requires vendor confirmation.
Exploitation context
The supplied CVSS vector indicates a local, low-complexity attack requiring low privileges and no user interaction. However, the sources provide no exploit demonstration, attack procedure, or evidence of active exploitation, and the CVE is not listed as KEV in the bundle. Treat the security impact as credible kernel memory corruption without assuming proven code execution.
Researcher notes
The regression begins with commit 17ce8a6907f7. The bundle says the resolution was cherry-picked from cc7c7121ae08 and provides six stable-kernel commit references. The affected-version data contains commit identifiers and version boundaries whose precise interpretation is not fully explained; use distribution advisories or commit containment checks rather than assuming every listed value is independently affected.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor kernel update containing the referenced AMDGPU correction.
Use applicable Red Hat advisories to identify fixed packages on supported Red Hat systems.
Reboot after updating and confirm the corrected kernel is running.
Check other Linux distribution guidance before selecting a fixed kernel version.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux hosts using AMDGPU and record their running kernel versions.
Compare installed packages with the affected status and vendor advisories.
Confirm the running kernel includes the relevant stable backport after reboot.
Review kernel logs for AMDGPU use-after-free reports or crashes during display changes.
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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CVSS vector 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.