CVE-2022-38181
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows unprivileged users to access freed memory because GPU memory operations are mishandled.
Published Apr 6, 2023 · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · Also known as A-259695958, ASB-A-259695958
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2022-38181 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm), Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm), Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 29, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 14% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including :unknown: SoCVersion:2023-04-05, Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver <=r38p1, Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver <=r31p0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
14%
Higher than 96.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2022-38181 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 30, 2023 | Apr 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 29, 2023 | Apr 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 30, 2023 | Apr 20, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 30, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
6 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Bifrost Gpu Kernel DriverArm | r39p0 | r38p1 |
| Midgard Gpu Kernel DriverArm | See advisory | r31p0 |
| Valhall Gpu Kernel DriverArm | r39p0 | r38p1 |
| :unknown:android | >= SoCVersion:0 | SoCVersion:2023-04-05 |
Patched Releases
:unknown:
SoCVersion:2023-04-05
Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver
<=r38p1
Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver
<=r31p0
Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver
<=r38p1
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 29, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 30, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 30, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 30, 2023
Publicly disclosed
Apr 6, 2023
Last updated
Oct 14, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-416 Use After Free
References
- advisoryhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172854/Android-Arm-Mali-GPU-Arbitrary-Code-Execution.html
- advisoryhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-0872
- advisoryhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-0878
- advisoryhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-20463
- advisoryhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-20471
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows unprivileged users to access freed memory because GPU memory operations are mishandled.
Affected: Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm) versions r39p0; Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm); Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver (Arm) versions r39p0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 29, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Mar 30, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Apr 20, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including :unknown: SoCVersion:2023-04-05, Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver <=r38p1, Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver <=r31p0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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