CVE-2021-28663
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to make improper operations on GPU memory to gain root privilege, and/or disclose information.
CISA KEV Advisory
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Use-After-Free Vulnerability
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to make improper operations on GPU memory to gain root privilege, and/or disclose information.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Arm Mali GPU kernel drivers allows a non-privileged user to perform improper operations on GPU memory, potentially leading to root privilege escalation or information disclosure. The high severity and confirmed exploitation in the wild, as indicated by its presence in CISA's KEV catalog, make this an urgent concern.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild, and it is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Apply available patches or driver updates for Arm Mali GPU kernel drivers to address this use-after-free vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-28663 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2021-28663 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-28663 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1