CVE-2023-4295 is a vulnerability identified in the Arm Ltd Valhall GPU Kernel Driver, specifically version r29p0. The flaw is rooted in an integer overflow or wraparound condition (CWE-190) within the GPU kernel driver code that manages memory operations. This integer overflow can cause improper handling of GPU memory, leading to use-after-free conditions (CWE-416), where a local non-privileged user can access memory that has already been freed. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to read or write arbitrary memory locations within the GPU driver context, potentially escalating privileges or executing arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges but does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or where local access is possible through other means. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and low privileges required. Although no public exploits are known at this time, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems using the Valhall GPU architecture, which is prevalent in embedded systems, mobile devices, and some edge computing platforms. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to access controls and monitoring to mitigate potential exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-4295 can be substantial, especially in sectors relying on embedded systems, mobile devices, or edge computing platforms that incorporate Arm Valhall GPUs. Successful exploitation can lead to local privilege escalation, allowing attackers to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. This is particularly critical for industries such as telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure, where embedded Arm-based devices are widespread. Confidentiality breaches could expose proprietary or personal data, while integrity and availability compromises could disrupt operational technology systems or critical services. The local nature of the attack vector means that insider threats or compromised user accounts could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. Additionally, the lack of user interaction requirement increases the risk in shared or multi-user environments common in enterprise settings.

1. Monitor Arm Ltd announcements closely and apply official patches or driver updates for the Valhall GPU Kernel Driver as soon as they become available. 2. Restrict local access to systems running affected Valhall GPU drivers to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 3. Implement strict user privilege management and limit the number of users with local access rights on affected devices. 4. Employ runtime security tools that can detect anomalous GPU memory operations or kernel driver misuse. 5. Use hardware-based security features such as ARM TrustZone or secure boot to reduce the attack surface. 6. Conduct regular audits of embedded and mobile devices in use within the organization to identify those running vulnerable versions. 7. For critical environments, consider network segmentation and isolation of devices with Valhall GPUs to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8. Educate system administrators and security teams about the risks of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities in GPU drivers and the importance of timely patching.