CVE-2022-42265 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2022
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Linux contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvidia.ko), where an integer overflow may lead to information disclosure or data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-42265 affects NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers for Linux systems and resides within the kernel mode layer component known as nvidia.ko. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper handling of integer values during kernel operations, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to exploit system resources. The vulnerability specifically manifests in scenarios where integer overflow conditions occur, which can result in unpredictable behavior within the driver's memory management and data processing functions. Such conditions typically arise when arithmetic operations exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the data type, leading to wraparound behavior that may compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel mode driver's handling of various parameters and buffer sizes during GPU operations, particularly in contexts where user-supplied data is processed without adequate bounds checking. When integer overflow occurs in these scenarios, it can lead to memory corruption that allows attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures or access sensitive data that should remain protected. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation could potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to system resources that are normally restricted. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-42265 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks including privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions, potentially allowing them to read sensitive information, modify system data, or even execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The implications are particularly concerning for systems where NVIDIA GPUs are utilized for critical operations, as the vulnerability could be exploited to undermine the security posture of enterprise environments, cloud infrastructure, or embedded systems that rely on GPU acceleration. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, and T1547.001 which focuses on registry run keys and startup folder modifications that could be facilitated through kernel-level compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including the application of NVIDIA's official security patches and driver updates that address the integer overflow conditions within the nvidia.ko kernel module. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected NVIDIA GPU installations, particularly in environments where security is paramount and the risk of exploitation is high. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and other kernel hardening techniques that can make exploitation more difficult even if patches are not immediately available. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual memory access patterns or unexpected kernel module operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues within their GPU-based infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel components and proper input validation in security-sensitive environments where GPU acceleration is utilized.