CVE-2024-0153
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory buffer overflow vulnerability in Arm's Valhall and 5th Gen GPU firmware that allows a local non-privileged user to perform improper GPU operations to access memory outside buffer bounds. With careful preparation, this could potentially lead to access to all system memory. Affected systems include devices using Arm Mali GPUs with specific firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Arm Valhall GPU Firmware
- Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Firmware
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system memory compromise leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or full system takeover
Likely Case
Limited memory disclosure or corruption, potentially leading to application crashes or limited data exposure
If Mitigated
Contained impact within GPU memory space with proper isolation and access controls
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and careful preparation of GPU operations. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after r46p0
Vendor Advisory: https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current GPU firmware version. 2. Contact device manufacturer for updated firmware. 3. Apply firmware update. 4. Reboot device.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GPU access
allLimit GPU access to trusted applications only
Disable unnecessary GPU features
allDisable GPU compute features if not required
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
- Monitor for unusual GPU memory access patterns and system behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check GPU firmware version via device manufacturer tools or system logsCheck Version:
Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; consult device documentationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is updated beyond affected ranges (r46p0+)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual GPU memory access patterns
- GPU driver crashes
- Memory access violations
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for GPU driver errors, memory access violations, or unusual process behavior related to GPU operations