CVE-2023-5643 Mali GPU Kernel Driver allows improper GPU memory processing operations

High 7.8 Published 5 Feb 2024 Updated 15 May 2025

A local attacker can exploit an out-of-bounds write in the Mali GPU kernel driver to corrupt memory, potentially leading to code execution or privilege escalation.

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-2023-5643?

CVE-2023-5643 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Arm Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver, published on 5 Feb 2024. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Out-of-bounds Write 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 memory processing operations. Depending on the configuration of the Mali GPU Kernel Driver, and if the system’s memory is carefully prepared by the user, then this in turn could write to memory outside of buffer bounds.This issue affects Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver: from r41p0 through r45p0; Valhall GPU Kernel Driver: from r41p0 through r45p0; Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver: from r41p0 through r45p0.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-5643?

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-2023-5643?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2023-5643 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-5643 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Arm Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as A-308188986, ASB-A-308188986, GHSA-3pwh-6jh8-p592.