CVE-2024-34732 Overview
CVE-2024-34732 is a race condition vulnerability in the RGXMMUCacheInvalidate function of rgxmem.c, a component of the PowerVR GPU kernel driver used in Google Android. The flaw allows a local attacker to trigger arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. Exploitation requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges. Google addressed the issue in the Android Security Bulletin dated October 1, 2024.
Critical Impact
A local attacker can leverage the race condition to escalate privileges to the kernel, gaining full control over the affected Android device.
Affected Products
- Google Android (see Android Security Bulletin October 2024 for affected versions)
- Devices using the PowerVR GPU kernel driver (rgxmem.c)
- Android kernel components integrating the Imagination Technologies GPU stack
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-01 - Google publishes fix in the Android Security Bulletin
- 2025-01-28 - CVE-2024-34732 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-34732
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in RGXMMUCacheInvalidate, a function in rgxmem.c responsible for invalidating memory management unit (MMU) cache entries in the PowerVR GPU driver. Concurrent access to shared state within this function creates a race condition classified under [CWE-362]. When two or more threads interact with the cache invalidation logic without adequate synchronization, an attacker can manipulate kernel memory in an inconsistent state.
Exploitation yields arbitrary code execution in the kernel. Because the flaw is reachable from an unprivileged local process, any application capable of interacting with the GPU driver can attempt to trigger it. Successful exploitation grants the attacker kernel-level privileges, bypassing the Android sandbox and SELinux enforcement boundaries.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper synchronization of shared resources during MMU cache invalidation. Kernel code paths that read or modify cache state must hold appropriate locks to prevent time-of-check-to-time-of-use (TOCTOU) conditions. Missing or inadequate locking allows an attacker-controlled thread to alter state between validation and use.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local. An attacker executes a malicious application on the target device that repeatedly invokes GPU driver ioctls to reach RGXMMUCacheInvalidate. By racing threads against the vulnerable code path, the attacker corrupts kernel memory structures and pivots to arbitrary code execution. No user interaction is required.
No public proof-of-concept code has been published. The vulnerability is described in prose only; refer to the Android Security Bulletin October 2024 for vendor-provided technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-34732
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel oops or panic messages referencing RGXMMUCacheInvalidate or rgxmem.c in dmesg or logcat.
- Unprivileged applications issuing high-frequency ioctl calls to the PowerVR GPU device node (typically /dev/pvr_sync or /dev/dri/*).
- Processes gaining kernel-equivalent privileges without a legitimate authorization event.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device telemetry for abnormal GPU driver interaction patterns from non-system UIDs.
- Correlate kernel log anomalies with process execution to identify potential race-condition exploitation attempts.
- Track installation of unsigned or sideloaded applications that request GPU access shortly after install.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest Android kernel logs and application execution telemetry into a centralized data lake for retrospective analysis.
- Baseline expected GPU ioctl volumes per application and alert on statistical outliers.
- Enable Google Play Protect and enterprise mobile threat defense agents to identify known exploit tooling.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-34732
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Android security patch level 2024-10-05 or later to all affected devices.
- Inventory Android endpoints and identify devices running builds prior to the October 2024 patch level.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications on devices pending patch deployment.
Patch Information
Google released the fix in the October 2024 Android Security Bulletin. Device manufacturers integrate the patch into vendor-specific over-the-air (OTA) updates. Administrators should verify the reported security patch level via Settings > About phone > Android security update and confirm it matches or exceeds 2024-10-05. Refer to the Android Security Bulletin October 2024 for the complete list of fixed CVEs and patched components.
Workarounds
- Enforce mobile device management (MDM) policies that block sideloading and restrict app installations to vetted sources.
- Deploy application allowlisting on managed Android devices to prevent execution of unknown binaries.
- Retire or isolate end-of-life devices that will not receive the October 2024 patch level from their OEM.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
