CVE-2024-34747 Overview
CVE-2024-34747 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the DevmemXIntMapPages function of devicemem_server.c, a component associated with the Imagination PowerVR graphics driver used in Android. A logic error in the memory management code allows a local attacker to trigger a use-after-free condition in kernel context. Successful exploitation enables local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution without requiring additional execution privileges. User interaction is not required for exploitation. Google addressed the flaw in the Android Security Bulletin for November 2024. The weakness is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free).
Critical Impact
Local privilege escalation to kernel context on affected Android devices, with no user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Google Android (devices shipping the PowerVR devicemem_server component)
- Android builds prior to the November 2024 security patch level
- Devices using the affected Imagination Technologies graphics driver
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-01 - Fix included in the Android Security Bulletin November 2024
- 2024-11-13 - CVE-2024-34747 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-34747
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in DevmemXIntMapPages, a routine in devicemem_server.c responsible for mapping physical memory pages into device memory contexts for the graphics driver. A logic error in this function permits memory to be referenced after it has been freed, yielding a classic use-after-free condition in the kernel.
Use-after-free bugs in kernel memory managers are a well-established primitive for privilege escalation. An attacker who reclaims the freed allocation with attacker-controlled data can subvert kernel structures reachable from the dangling pointer. This typically leads to arbitrary kernel read/write and, ultimately, code execution at ring 0.
Root Cause
The root cause is a logic error in the object lifetime handling within DevmemXIntMapPages. Reference counting or ordering of free operations against the mapping structure does not correctly account for all code paths, leaving a pointer to freed memory in use. See the Android Security Bulletin November 2024 for vendor confirmation.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access with the ability to invoke the affected driver interface, typically through an application with access to the GPU device node. A malicious app installed on the device can issue crafted ioctl or memory-mapping calls to reach DevmemXIntMapPages and trigger the freed-object reuse. No user interaction is required once the malicious code executes. Because the vulnerable code runs in kernel context, successful exploitation grants kernel privileges to an unprivileged process.
No public proof-of-concept code has been released. Technical details are described in the vendor advisory referenced above.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-34747
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel oops or panic traces referencing DevmemXIntMapPages or devicemem_server in dmesg and logcat.
- Applications repeatedly opening the PowerVR device node and issuing high volumes of memory mapping ioctls.
- Presence of installed apps that request GPU device access without a clear rendering use case.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Android device patch level and flag endpoints reporting a Security Patch Level earlier than 2024-11-01.
- Inspect crash reports and tombstones for kernel faults inside the PowerVR memory management path.
- Use Mobile Threat Defense telemetry to detect side-loaded applications interacting with graphics kernel interfaces.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate device attestation and patch-level data in a central SIEM for fleet-wide visibility.
- Alert on repeated SIGSEGV or kernel warnings originating from the GPU driver stack.
- Track installation of unknown APKs on managed devices and correlate with subsequent kernel instability.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-34747
Immediate Actions Required
- Update all Android devices to Security Patch Level 2024-11-01 or later.
- Prioritize patching for devices using System-on-Chips that ship the Imagination PowerVR driver.
- Restrict installation of applications from untrusted sources through MDM policy.
Patch Information
Google published the fix in the Android Security Bulletin November 2024. Device OEMs must integrate the corrected devicemem_server.c into their vendor images and distribute an OTA update. Verify the applied Security Patch Level in Settings > About phone > Android security update.
Workarounds
- Where patching is delayed, limit device use to trusted first-party applications only.
- Enforce Google Play Protect and block installation of APKs from unknown sources.
- Retire or isolate end-of-life devices that will not receive the November 2024 patch.
# Verify the current Android Security Patch Level on a managed device
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
# Expected output for patched devices: 2024-11-01 or later
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
