CVE-2022-38181
Published: March 30, 2023
Official Description
Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain root privilege and/or disclose information.
CISA KEV Advisory
Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver Use-After-Free Vulnerability
Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain root privilege and/or disclose information.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
A use-after-free vulnerability in Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver could allow a non-privileged user to gain root privileges or disclose sensitive information. The high EPSS score and confirmed exploitation in the wild make this a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention. This flaw is rated as HIGH severity.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. The nature of the flaw suggests it can be exploited locally to escalate privileges.
Users of Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver should apply all available security updates to mitigate this use-after-free vulnerability. Ensure systems are regularly patched to prevent privilege escalation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-38181 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-2022-38181 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2022-38181 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