CVE-2025-0073 in Valhall GPU Kernel Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2025
Use After Free vulnerability in Arm Ltd Valhall GPU Kernel Driver, Arm Ltd Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver allows a local non-privileged user process to perform improper GPU memory processing operations to gain access to already freed memory.This issue affects Valhall GPU Kernel Driver: from r53p0 before r54p0; Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver: from r53p0 before r54p0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The CVE-2025-0073 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Arm Ltd Valhall GPU kernel driver implementation, specifically affecting the Arm 5th Generation GPU architecture. This memory safety issue arises from improper handling of GPU memory operations within the kernel space, creating a scenario where a local non-privileged user process can manipulate GPU memory management functions to access memory that has already been freed. The vulnerability manifests in the context of GPU kernel driver operations where memory allocation and deallocation sequences are not properly synchronized, allowing for potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate memory management controls within the GPU driver's kernel implementation, where the system fails to properly validate memory references after deallocation events. This particular use-after-free condition occurs during GPU command processing where kernel driver functions handle memory buffers associated with graphics processing tasks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as an improper free operation, specifically involving memory that has already been released. When a user process submits GPU commands through the kernel interface, it can trigger a sequence where memory blocks are freed but subsequently accessed through improper reference handling, creating a potential attack vector for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables local privilege escalation from non-privileged user processes to kernel-level privileges. Attackers can exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected versions span from r53p0 through the pre-r54p0 releases, indicating a prolonged period where this memory safety issue remained undetected. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1547.001 which addresses kernel module loading and manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that GPU drivers typically run with elevated privileges and handle sensitive graphics processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-0073 require immediate patch deployment to update the affected kernel drivers to versions r54p0 or later, which contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement kernel lockdown mechanisms and restrict user access to GPU processing capabilities where possible. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized GPU memory operations and implement runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries. The fix addresses the underlying memory management flaw by ensuring proper reference counting and validation of memory blocks before and after deallocation events. Additionally, implementing proper kernel module signing and secure boot mechanisms will help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future, aligning with security best practices outlined in the Arm Security Architecture guidelines and industry standards for kernel driver security.