Graphics DDK: Privilege Context Switching Error
CVE-2024-46975 is a high-severity privilege context switching error vulnerability in Graphics DDK from Imagination Technologies, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.9 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Graphics DDK versions: 1.15 RTM through 24.3 RTM. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.15% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Graphics DDK you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imagination Technologies | Graphics DDK | 1.15 RTM through 24.3 RTM | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Kernel software installed and running inside a Guest VM may exploit memory shared with the GPU Firmware to write data into another Guest's virtualised GPU memory.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Privilege Context Switching Error
The product does not properly manage privileges while it is switching between different contexts that have different privileges or spheres of control.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Privilege Context Switching Error vulnerabilities (CWE-270)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Graphics DDK
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Privilege Context Switching Error vulnerabilities
- 8.4 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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