Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization
CVE-2026-9040 is a high-severity concurrent execution using shared resource with improper synchronization vulnerability in Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver from Arm, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver versions: r12p0 through r49p5; r50p0 through r51p0; r54p1 through r54p2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.13% 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 Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm | Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver | r12p0 through r49p5; r50p0 through r51p0; r54p1 through r54p2 | Not stated |
| Arm | Valhall GPU Kernel Driver | r19p0 through r49p5; r50p0 through r54p3; r55p0 | Not stated |
| Arm | Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver | r41p0 through r49p5; r50p0 through r54p3; r55p0 | 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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
A race condition vulnerability in Arm Ltd Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver, Arm Ltd Valhall GPU Kernel Driver, Arm Ltd Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver allows a local non-privileged user process to perform improper GPU memory processing operations to cause a denial of service or disclose sensitive information. This issue affects Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver: from r12p0 through r49p5, from r50p0 through r51p0, from r54p1 through r54p2; Valhall GPU Kernel Driver: from r19p0 through r49p5, from r50p0 through r54p3, r55p0; Arm 5th Gen GPU Architecture Kernel Driver: from r41p0 through r49p5, from r50p0 through r54p3, r55p0.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization
The product contains a concurrent code sequence that requires temporary, exclusive access to a shared resource, but a timing window exists in which the shared resource can be modified by another code sequence operating concurrently.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- In languages that support it, use synchronization primitives. Only wrap these around critical code to minimize the impact on performance.
- Use thread-safe capabilities such as the data access abstraction in Spring.
- Minimize the usage of shared resources in order to remove as much complexity as possible from the control flow and to reduce the likelihood of unexpected conditions occurring. Additionally, this will minimize the amount of synchronization necessary and may even help to reduce the likelihood of a denial of service where an attacker may be able to repeatedly trigger a critical section (CWE-400).
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Bifrost GPU Kernel Driver
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization vulnerabilities
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