External risk intelligence

Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver Information Disclosure and Privilege Escalation

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-28663

The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver has a vulnerability that could allow for privilege escalation or information disclosure due to mishandled GPU memory operations. This impacts organizations by potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. The business risk is elevated as it is a known exploited vulnerabil

1Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Arm Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver

r0p0 to before r29p0r4p0 to before r31p0r19p0 to before r29p0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-28663

This vulnerability exists within a GPU kernel driver, which is a local hardware-level component. It is not an internet-facing service, network protocol, or web application. Exploitation requires local access to the device and existing user-level execution privileges, making public internet exposure and reachability non-existent in typical deployment scenarios.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver is vulnerable due to improper handling of GPU memory operations, which can lead to a use-after-free condition. This flaw can enable privilege escalation or the disclosure of sensitive information. The potential business impact includes unauthorized access to data and compromised system integrity.

  • Vulnerable component: Arm Mali GPU kernel driver
  • Core weakness: GPU memory mishandling
  • Main business impact: Privilege escalation, information disclosure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability in the Arm Mali GPU kernel driver could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive information. This occurs when GPU memory operations are mishandled, resulting in a use-after-free condition. Such a vulnerability can impact affected organizations by potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality.

  • Requires local access.
  • Attacker exploits memory handling.
  • Results in privilege escalation or data disclosure.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability affects the Arm Mali GPU kernel driver, potentially allowing privilege escalation or information disclosure due to mishandled GPU memory operations. Attackers with limited privileges could exploit this to gain root access or access sensitive data. The vulnerability exists in specific versions of the Bifrost, Valhall, and Midgard drivers.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Local access and low privileges.
  • Business risk or urgency: High, considered a known exploited vulnerability.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver has a vulnerability that could allow for privilege escalation or information disclosure. This is due to mishandled GPU memory operations, resulting in a use-after-free condition. The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Bifrost, Valhall, and Midgard drivers.

  • Identify affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Arm Mali GPU kernel driver and its function?

The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver is a critical software component that facilitates communication between the device's graphics processing unit (GPU) and the operating system. It is fundamental for rendering graphics, displaying visuals, and accelerating visual tasks on devices equipped with Arm Mali GPUs, commonly found in smartphones and tablets.

What is the Arm Mali GPU driver vulnerability (CVE-2021-28663) and its weakness type?

CVE-2021-28663 is a use-after-free vulnerability. This weakness occurs when the driver attempts to access memory that has already been released. Such mishandling of GPU memory operations can potentially allow an attacker to elevate their system privileges or read confidential information.

How can the Arm Mali GPU driver vulnerability be exploited, and what is the scope of impact?

Exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker with limited privileges making improper operations on GPU memory. This can lead to privilege escalation, granting root access, or the disclosure of sensitive information. The vulnerability is present in specific versions of the Bifrost, Valhall, and Midgard drivers.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-28663, considering it is a known exploited vulnerability?

CVE-2021-28663 is a known exploited vulnerability, indicating active threats targeting this flaw. Its relevance is heightened as it affects the Arm Mali GPU kernel driver, potentially allowing for significant system compromise through privilege escalation or information disclosure. This makes addressing the vulnerability a high priority for affected organizations.

What are the recommended practical steps to respond to the Arm Mali GPU driver vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should first identify all affected assets running vulnerable versions of the Arm Mali GPU kernel driver. Subsequently, measures should be taken to reduce exposure or isolate the risk, followed by applying vendor-provided fixes. Verification of the fix and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure the vulnerability is resolved and not re-introduced.

References