CVE-2023-4295
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-4295 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Arm Mali GPU drivers that allows local non-privileged users to access freed memory through improper GPU memory processing operations. This vulnerability affects devices using affected Arm Mali GPU drivers, potentially enabling privilege escalation or information disclosure. The risk primarily impacts mobile devices, embedded systems, and other hardware using these GPU drivers.
💻 Affected Systems
- Arm Mali GPU drivers
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level access, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges on the affected system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict local user accounts and privilege separation is enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires local access and knowledge of GPU memory operations; proof-of-concept details available in referenced resources.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Arm Security Center for specific patched driver versions
Vendor Advisory: https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Arm Security Center for affected driver versions. 2. Update to patched GPU driver version from device manufacturer or Arm. 3. Reboot device to apply changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts to trusted personnel only to reduce attack surface
Disable unnecessary GPU features
linuxIf possible, disable GPU features not required for operation (consult device documentation)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts
- Monitor systems for unusual privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check GPU driver version against Arm's advisory; command varies by device (e.g., 'cat /proc/gpuinfo' or manufacturer-specific commands)Check Version:
Device-specific; typically manufacturer-provided commands or checking system informationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify GPU driver version matches patched version from Arm advisory after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual GPU driver errors
- Failed privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Kernel panic or crash logs related to GPU
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'GPU driver error' OR 'privilege escalation' OR 'kernel panic' in system logs🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176109/Arm-Mali-CSF-Overflow-Use-After-Free.html
- https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176109/Arm-Mali-CSF-Overflow-Use-After-Free.html
- https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
