CVE-2024-53084

What it actually does

Creates a circular reference loop between PVR GEM objects, GPU scheduler fences, PVR contexts, VM contexts, and VM mappings in the Imagination DRM driver that prevents automatic cleanup of outstanding resources when the driver closes.

Why it matters to the business

Can cause gradual resource exhaustion and memory leaks on systems using Imagination GPUs, leading to degraded performance or instability in long-running graphics workloads and requiring more frequent restarts or maintenance.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker triggers repeated creation and destruction of GPU contexts and VM mappings through user-space applications to accumulate leaked resources over multiple driver close cycles, potentially resulting in denial of service; no specific threat actors or ransomware campaigns are known to target this issue.

How to fix it

Update the Linux kernel to a version containing the fix that frees outstanding VM mappings before PVR context destruction; for listed flashplugin-nonfree packages on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS apply version 11.2.202.559ubuntu0.14.04.1 or later.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the patch is present by inspecting drm/imagination source for the VM mapping cleanup change prior to context destruction, then test repeated driver close scenarios with memory leak detection tools to verify no leaks remain.

Typical attack path

1. Identify target systems running the vulnerable Imagination DRM driver
2. Launch multiple user-space applications that create PVR contexts and VM mappings
3. Force repeated driver or application shutdown sequences
4. Monitor system for accumulated unreleased resources and resulting exhaustion

How to detect it

Review kernel logs during driver unload for PVR context and VM mapping cleanup messages; employ kernel memory leak detectors and track resource counts associated with PVR GEM objects and fences.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on all systems using Imagination GPUs given the published fix
• Incorporate graphics driver shutdown tests into regular regression suites
• Monitor kernel logs and resource usage for signs of PVR-related leaks in production