CVE-2023-5427 Mali GPU Kernel Driver allows improper GPU processing operations

High 7.8 Published 1 Dec 2023 Updated 25 Feb 2026

A local attacker can exploit a use-after-free flaw in Mali GPU kernel drivers to access freed memory, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data exposure.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2023-5427?

CVE-2023-5427 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Arm Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver, published on 1 Dec 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Use After Free vulnerability in Arm Ltd Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver, Arm Ltd Valhall GPU Kernel Driver, Arm Ltd Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver allows a local non-privileged user to make improper GPU processing operations to gain access to already freed memory.This issue affects Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver: from r44p0 through r45p0; Valhall GPU Kernel Driver: from r44p0 through r45p0; Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver: from r44p0 through r45p0.

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-5427?

It affects 3 products.

Products include Arm 5th Gen Gpu Architecture Kernel Driver, Arm Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver, Arm Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver.

How do I fix CVE-2023-5427?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2023-5427 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-5427 exists.

All Arm Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-308188337, ASB-A-308188337, GHSA-jrr9-w96c-8wpv.