CVE-2024-52938
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows kernel software running inside a Guest Virtual Machine to issue improper commands to the GPU Firmware, potentially bypassing memory isolation and writing data outside the Guest's allocated GPU memory. This affects systems using Imagination Technologies GPU hardware with vulnerable firmware/drivers in virtualized environments.
💻 Affected Systems
- Imagination Technologies GPU hardware with vulnerable firmware/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
Guest VM escape leading to host system compromise, data corruption, or denial of service through GPU firmware manipulation.
Likely Case
Guest VM memory corruption, potential information disclosure, or GPU functionality disruption within the virtualized environment.
If Mitigated
Contained within Guest VM with minimal impact if proper memory isolation and GPU virtualization controls are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires kernel-level access within Guest VM and knowledge of GPU firmware commands. Virtualization layer bypass adds complexity.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Imagination Technologies GPU driver/firmware updates
Vendor Advisory: https://www.imaginationtech.com/gpu-driver-vulnerabilities/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check Imagination Technologies advisory for specific affected products. 2. Update GPU firmware and drivers to patched versions. 3. Update hypervisor GPU virtualization components if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable GPU passthrough/virtualization
allPrevent Guest VMs from accessing GPU hardware directly
Hypervisor-specific: Disable GPU passthrough in VM configuration
Restrict kernel module loading
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable GPU kernel modules in Guest VMs
echo 'install gpu_module /bin/false' >> /etc/modprobe.d/disable-gpu.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate vulnerable Guest VMs from critical systems and networks
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for Guest VMs with GPU access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check GPU driver/firmware version against Imagination Technologies advisory. Review hypervisor GPU configuration for passthrough/virtualization.Check Version:
lspci -v | grep -i imagination (Linux) or GPU vendor-specific diagnostic toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify GPU driver/firmware updated to patched version. Confirm no unauthorized memory writes in GPU logs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- GPU firmware error logs indicating invalid commands
- Hypervisor logs showing unusual GPU memory access patterns
- Kernel logs with GPU driver exceptions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound traffic from Guest VMs with GPU access
SIEM Query:
source="gpu_logs" AND ("invalid command" OR "memory violation") OR source="hypervisor" AND "gpu_passthrough" AND "anomalous"