#VU74191 Use-after-free in ARM products - CVE-2022-38181

Vulnerability identifier: #VU74191

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 8.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-38181

CWE-ID: CWE-416

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Midgard GPU Kernel Driver
Hardware solutions / Drivers
Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver
Hardware solutions / Drivers
Valhall GPU Kernel Driver
Hardware solutions / Drivers

Vendor: ARM

Description

The vulnerability allows a local application to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error. A local application can trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Note, this vulnerability is known to be exploited in targeted attacks spotted in November 2022.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Midgard GPU Kernel Driver: All versions

Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver: before r38p2

Valhall GPU Kernel Driver: before r38p2

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External links
https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
https://github.blog/2023-01-23-pwning-the-all-google-phone-with-a-non-google-bug/
https://securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2022-054_Arm_Mali/
https://blog.google/threat-analysis-group/spyware-vendors-use-0-days-and-n-days-against-popular-platforms/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.