---
id: "CVE-2023-4211"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2023-4211"]
title: "A local non-privileged user can make improper GPU memory processing operations to gain access to already freed memory"
severity: "high"
cvss: 5.5
epss: null
exploited: true
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: [{"name": "Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver", "fixed": [], "affected": "", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "arm 5th gen gpu architecture kernel driver", "fixed": ["r43p0"], "affected": ">= r41p0, < r43p0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "arm bifrost gpu kernel driver", "fixed": ["r43p0"], "affected": ">= r0p0, < r43p0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "arm midgard gpu kernel driver", "fixed": [], "affected": ">= r12p0, <= r32p0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}, {"name": "arm valhall gpu kernel driver", "fixed": ["r43p0"], "affected": ">= r19p0, < r43p0", "ecosystem": "vendor"}]
ecosystems: ["vendor"]
tags: ["android", "arm-mali", "embedded", "exploited", "infrastructure", "linux"]
not_affected_if: ["no-mali-gpu", "patched-driver"]
published_at: "2023-10-01T18:15:09+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "kev", "url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-4211", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00"}, {"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4211", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00"}]
---

# A local non-privileged user can make improper GPU memory processing operations to gain access to already freed memory

Arm Mali GPU kernel driver has a use-after-free bug in GPU memory handling. A local, unprivileged user can access memory that was already freed, which can lead to privilege escalation on the device.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## Affected

- vendor:Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver affected ? fixed ?
- vendor:arm 5th gen gpu architecture kernel driver affected >= r41p0, < r43p0 fixed r43p0
- vendor:arm bifrost gpu kernel driver affected >= r0p0, < r43p0 fixed r43p0
- vendor:arm midgard gpu kernel driver affected >= r12p0, <= r32p0 fixed ?
- vendor:arm valhall gpu kernel driver affected >= r19p0, < r43p0 fixed r43p0

## Fix

Apply the vendor mitigation per Arm's instructions, or stop using the affected driver if no mitigation exists. Specific fixed driver versions: unknown.

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T19:11:51+00:00 kev https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search_api_fulltext=CVE-2023-4211
- 2026-10-23T22:29:04+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4211

## From the sources

Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows a local, non-privileged user to make improper GPU memory processing operations to gain access to already freed memory.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_