Race Condition in Linux Kernel GPU Performance Counters

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves a race condition in the destruction path of hardware performance counters buffer. Software running as a non-privileged user can make improper GPU system calls, causing the reference counter to be decremented in a non-atomic way. This allows other code paths to access a freed object, leading to potential read and/or write operations on kernel heap memory.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves a race condition in GPU performance counters leading to UAF. Detection requires kernel-level monitoring for abnormal GPU driver behavior or memory access patterns. Check for crashes in GPU-related processes or kernel logs indicating memory corruption. Use commands like dmesg | grep -i gpu or journalctl -k | grep -i gpu to inspect kernel logs for GPU-related errors.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause system instability by corrupting kernel memory. It may lead to denial of service or unauthorized data access depending on the system configuration.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability involves a race condition leading to a use-after-free (UAF) condition in kernel heap memory, which could allow unauthorized read/write access. Such flaws may violate data integrity and confidentiality requirements under GDPR and HIPAA, potentially leading to non-compliance if exploited.

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Mitigation Strategies

Update the Imagination Technologies Graphics DDK to the latest patched version as soon as it becomes available from the vendor.

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