CVE-2022-38181
The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows unprivileged users to access freed memory because GPU memory operations are mishandled. This affects Bifrost…
Browse: All 2022 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 8.8 High
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2023-03-30, remediation due 2023-04-20)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-416
- Published
- 2022-10-25
- Last modified
- 2026-06-17
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows unprivileged users to access freed memory because GPU memory operations are mishandled. This affects Bifrost r0p0 through r38p1, and r39p0; Valhall r19p0 through r38p1, and r39p0; and Midgard r4p0 through r32p0.
Affected products
- arm bifrost gpu kernel driver
- arm midgard gpu kernel driver
- arm valhall gpu kernel driver
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2023-04-20.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172854/Android-Arm-Mali-GPU-Arbitrary-Code-Execution.html
- https://developer.arm.com/Arm%20Security%20Center/Mali%20GPU%20Driver%20Vulnerabilities
- https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates
- https://github.blog/2023-01-23-pwning-the-all-google-phone-with-a-non-google-bug/
- https://securitylab.github.com/advisories/GHSL-2022-054_Arm_Mali/
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2022-38181
FAQ
Is CVE-2022-38181 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2022-38181 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2023-03-30, with a federal remediation deadline of 2023-04-20. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2022-38181?
CVE-2022-38181 has a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2021-29256 — Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CVE-2023-26083 — Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CVE-2022-22706 — Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CVE-2021-28664 — Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CVE-2021-28663 — Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CVE-2024-4610 — Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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