CVE-2022-33917 in Mali GPU Kernel Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2022
An issue was discovered in the Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver (Valhall r29p0 through r38p0). A non-privileged user can make improper GPU processing operations to gain access to already freed memory.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-33917 resides within the Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver, specifically affecting versions ranging from Valhall r29p0 through r38p0. This represents a critical memory safety issue that undermines the fundamental security guarantees of the graphics processing unit kernel components. The flaw manifests when a non-privileged user executes improper GPU processing operations that result in access to memory that has already been freed, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data access and system compromise.
This vulnerability constitutes a classic use-after-free condition that aligns with CWE-416, where memory is accessed after it has been released to the system. The technical implementation involves improper handling of GPU command processing where the kernel driver fails to properly validate memory references during GPU operations. When a user-space application submits GPU commands, the kernel driver processes these operations without adequate validation of memory state, allowing for the execution of operations against freed memory regions. This memory corruption scenario creates opportunities for information disclosure and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage, as it enables attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code within the GPU kernel context. The non-privileged nature of the attack vector makes this particularly concerning since it does not require elevated privileges to exploit. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive data stored in GPU memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information processed by the GPU. The implications are significant for systems where GPU processing is integral to security operations, such as mobile devices, embedded systems, and servers utilizing Arm Mali graphics processors.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and credential access via information disclosure. The attack surface is particularly relevant in mobile environments where GPU processing is heavily utilized for multimedia operations, rendering devices vulnerable to sophisticated attacks that could compromise user data and system integrity. Organizations relying on Arm Mali GPU implementations must consider the broader security implications of this vulnerability, as it could be exploited as part of a multi-stage attack vector targeting mobile device security. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected driver versions and implementation of additional runtime protections to prevent improper GPU command processing operations.
The vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of GPU kernel security and the challenges inherent in maintaining memory safety across heterogeneous computing environments. It underscores the importance of rigorous input validation and proper memory management practices in kernel drivers, particularly those handling graphics processing operations that involve significant memory manipulation. System administrators should prioritize deployment of patched driver versions and implement monitoring for unusual GPU processing patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The security community should also consider this vulnerability in the context of broader GPU security research, as it highlights the need for enhanced security controls in graphics processing unit kernel components that handle untrusted input from user-space applications.