Executive brief
A use-after-free flaw in Arm's GPU kernel drivers allows local users to access freed GPU memory and perform unauthorized GPU processing operations. An attacker could exploit this to read sensitive GPU data, crash the system, or potentially escalate privileges on devices using Bifrost, Valhall, or 5th Gen GPU architectures.
Technical details
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in Arm Ltd's Bifrost, Valhall, and 5th Gen GPU Kernel Drivers where freed GPU memory can be accessed by subsequent GPU operations. The vulnerability requires local access and valid GPU memory processing capabilities, but does not require elevated privileges. An attacker can craft GPU commands to access already-freed memory regions, potentially leaking sensitive data or causing memory corruption. The issue affects multiple release branches across these GPU drivers; patches are available in updated versions.
Affected products
- Arm Ltd Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver r41p0-r49p5, r50p0-r51p0, r54p1-r54p2
- Arm Ltd Valhall GPU Kernel Driver r41p0-r49p5, r50p0-r54p3, r55p0
- Arm Ltd Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver r41p0-r49p5, r50p0-r54p3, r55p0
Timeline
- 2026-09-08: disclosed