CVE-2021-29256: Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Published May 24, 2021
·
Updated

. The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows an unprivileged user to achieve access to freed memory, leading to information disclosure or root privilege escalation. This affects Bifrost r16p0 through r29p0 before r30p0, Valhall r19p0 through r29p0 before r30p0, and Midgard r28p0 through r30p0.

Other sources

Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain root privilege and/or disclose information.

CISA

Affected Software

8 affected components
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Arm Bifrost>=r16p0-01eac0<r30p0-01eac0
Arm Midgard>=r28p0-01eac0<=r30p0-01eac0
Arm Valhall>=r19p0-01eac0<r30p0-01eac0
Google Android
Arm Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver>=r16p0<r30p0
Arm Midgard GPU Kernel Driver>=r28p0<r31p0
Arm Valhall GPU Kernel Driver>=r19p0<r30p0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Compensating control

    If vendor updates are unavailable, discontinue use of the affected Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver builds: Bifrost r16p0 through r29p0 (before r30p0); Valhall r19p0 through r29p0 (before r30p0); Midgard r28p0 through r30p0.

Event History

May 24, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:56 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:56 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jul 7, 2023
Known Exploited
via CISA·12:00 AM
Oct 17, 58448
Event
04:28 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-29256?

CVE-2021-29256 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver that could allow a non-privileged user to gain root privileges and/or disclose information.

2

Who is affected by CVE-2021-29256?

The vulnerability affects devices using the Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Google Android.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-29256?

CVE-2021-29256 has a high severity level with a CVSS score of 7.

4

How can CVE-2021-29256 be exploited?

The vulnerability can be exploited by a non-privileged user to gain root privilege and/or disclose information.

5

How can I fix CVE-2021-29256?

You should update your Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver to the latest version available and install any relevant patches provided by your device manufacturer.

Contact

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