CVE-2024-46973
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows non-privileged users to trigger use-after-free kernel exceptions through improper GPU system calls, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system crashes. It affects systems with Imagination Technologies GPU drivers. The risk is highest for multi-user systems where untrusted users can run GPU-accelerated applications.
💻 Affected Systems
- Imagination Technologies GPU drivers
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Privilege escalation to kernel-level access, allowing complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing a standard user to gain root/admin privileges, system instability, or denial of service through kernel panics.
If Mitigated
Limited to denial of service through application crashes if proper sandboxing and privilege separation are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of GPU driver internals and kernel memory management. Local access with ability to run GPU applications is necessary.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Imagination Technologies security advisory for specific patched driver versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.imaginationtech.com/gpu-driver-vulnerabilities/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Imagination Technologies security advisory. 2. Identify affected driver version. 3. Download and install patched GPU driver from vendor. 4. Reboot system to load new driver.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GPU access
linuxLimit GPU device access to privileged users only
chmod 600 /dev/dri/renderD*
chown root:root /dev/dri/renderD*
Disable GPU acceleration
allPrevent non-privileged applications from using GPU features
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user privilege separation and limit GPU device access to trusted users only
- Monitor system logs for unusual GPU driver activity or kernel panic events
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check GPU driver version against Imagination Technologies advisory. Use 'modinfo' for kernel modules or vendor-specific version checks.Check Version:
Check system-specific: 'modinfo imagination_gpu' or consult vendor documentation for version checkingVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed GPU driver version matches patched version from vendor advisory and test GPU functionality remains operational.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs mentioning GPU driver
- System logs showing privilege escalation attempts
- GPU driver crash reports in dmesg or system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("GPU" OR "dri" OR "render") AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "use-after-free")