External risk intelligence

Arm GPU Kernel Driver Memory Access Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-4610

A vulnerability in Arm GPU kernel drivers allows local users to access freed memory, posing a risk of unauthorized data access and system compromise. This impacts organizations by potentially exposing sensitive data and disrupting operations. The vulnerability is listed in the known exploited vulnerabilities catalog.

1Halo Surface Signal

Use After Free

Arm Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver

r34p0 to before r41p0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-4610

The vulnerability exists in a GPU kernel driver, which requires local, non-privileged access to the device's hardware drivers. It is inherently a local-only component and not exposed to the public internet or reachable through network-based services.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Arm GPU kernel drivers contain a vulnerability related to improper memory processing. This flaw can allow a local user to access memory that has already been freed. Such access could potentially lead to unauthorized information disclosure or system compromise. The impact on affected organizations could include the loss of sensitive data and disruption of critical operations.

  • Vulnerable Arm GPU kernel drivers
  • Improper GPU memory processing
  • Potential data exposure or system compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows a local, unprivileged user to access freed memory by performing improper GPU memory processing operations. The attack leverages a flaw in the GPU kernel driver to gain unauthorized access to already released memory locations. This could lead to a compromise of system integrity and data confidentiality.

  • Local, unprivileged user access
  • Improper GPU memory operations
  • Gain access to freed memory

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability impacts Arm GPU kernel drivers, allowing a local user to access freed memory. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access and modification. The known exploited vulnerabilities catalog indicates this is a known threat.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access: Local access
  • Business risk: High urgency

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A vulnerability in Arm's GPU kernel drivers could allow a local user to access freed memory, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or modification. This could impact the confidentiality and integrity of data processed by affected systems. The vulnerability requires local access, meaning an attacker must already have some level of access to the system.

  • Identify affected systems and GPU kernel drivers.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes, verify implementation, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Arm Bifrost and Valhall GPU Kernel Drivers?

The Arm Bifrost and Valhall GPU Kernel Drivers are software components that manage the graphics processing units (GPUs) developed by Arm. They enable the operating system and applications to interact with the GPU for tasks like rendering graphics in games, applications, and the user interface.

What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2024-4610 and how does it work?

CVE-2024-4610 is a Use-After-Free weakness. This means the driver improperly handles memory that has already been released, allowing a local user to access and potentially manipulate this freed memory, which could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system control.

What conditions are needed for an attacker to exploit CVE-2024-4610?

An attacker needs to have local, non-privileged access to the affected system. They would then perform specific GPU memory processing operations that trigger the Use-After-Free condition, allowing them to access already freed memory. Accessing freed memory does not trigger the bug if the attacker only has remote access.

Who should be concerned about the CVE-2024-4610 vulnerability?

Organizations using Arm Bifrost or Valhall GPU Kernel Drivers should be concerned. Since the vulnerability requires local access, it primarily affects internal systems rather than those directly exposed to the internet. This means any user with non-privileged access to an affected device is a potential risk.

What are the first steps to address this vulnerability in Arm GPU drivers?

First, identify all systems running the affected Arm Bifrost or Valhall GPU Kernel Drivers. Then, consider isolating these systems if possible. The most crucial step is to apply any fixes or updates provided by Arm for these drivers to mitigate the risk.

References