CVE-2021-28664 Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Nov 17, 2021
What to do
- Install Arm's security update for Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Unspecified Vulnerability
- Product
- Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CISA description
- Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver contains an unspecified vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain write access to read-only memory, gain root privilege, corrupt memory, and modify the memory of other processes.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-787)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 3, 2021
- US federal patch deadline
- Nov 17, 2021
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Answering about CVE-2021-28664 ·
Questions about CVE-2021-28664
Is CVE-2021-28664 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2021-28664 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 3, 2021, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2021-28664?
Install Arm's security update for Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2021-28664?
Only if you use Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.