CVE-2021-29256

Name: CVE-2021-29256
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-05-24T18:15:08.033+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 3.02%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-29256 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. . The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows an unprivileged user to achieve access to freed memory, leading to information disclosure or root privilege escalation. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 3.02% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

. The Arm Mali GPU kernel driver allows an unprivileged user to achieve access to freed memory, leading to information disclosure or root privilege escalation. This affects Bifrost r16p0 through r29p0 before r30p0, Valhall r19p0 through r29p0 before r30p0, and Midgard r28p0 through r30p0.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

3.02%

85.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Jul 28, 2023.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Arm	Bifrost Gpu Kernel Driver	>= r16p0, < r30p0
Arm	Midgard Gpu Kernel Driver	>= r28p0, < r31p0
Arm	Valhall Gpu Kernel Driver	>= r19p0, < r30p0

References

https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/mali-gpu-kernel-driverVendor Advisory
https://developer.arm.com/support/arm-security-updates/mali-gpu-kernel-driverVendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-29256US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: May 24, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-29256?

How severe is CVE-2021-29256?

CVE-2021-29256 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.02% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2021-29256?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-29256?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST