CVE-2021-28663
KEVArm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Use-After-Free Vulnerability
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.
The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows privilege escalation or information disclosure because GPU memory operations are mishandled, leading to a use-after-free. This affects Bifrost r0p0 through r28p0 before r29p0, Valhall r19p0 through r28p0 before r29p0, and Midgard r4p0 through r30p0.
CVSS 3.1 vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HPublishedMay 10, 2021
Last modifiedJun 17, 2026
Added to KEVNov 3, 2021
Remediation dueNov 17, 2021
References
- developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updatesVendor Advisory
- developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/mali-gpu-kernel-driverVendor Advisory
- github.com/lntrx/CVE-2021-28663Exploit
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-28663US Government Resource
0 recent articles mention this CVE
75
Risk assessment · High
Actively exploited. Patch immediately.
- Exploitation
- Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
- Federal remediation deadline
- Overdue by 1805 days
- CVSS
- 8.8 HIGH
- EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
- 12.1% · top 4% of all CVEs
- Weakness
- CWE-416
- Attack vector
- Network, remotely reachable
Recommended actions
- 1.Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
- 3.Review exposure: confirm which instances are reachable from the internet and restrict access until patched.
- 4.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.