CVE-2025-1706 in Graphics DDK
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2025
Software installed and run as a non-privileged user may conduct improper GPU system calls to trigger use-after-free kernel exceptions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation vector that exploits improper GPU system call handling within kernel space. The flaw allows a non-privileged user to manipulate GPU subsystem calls in a manner that triggers use-after-free conditions, effectively creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the GPU driver's kernel components, where system calls fail to properly validate user-supplied parameters before processing them against kernel memory structures. This issue manifests when legitimate GPU operations are manipulated through crafted inputs that cause the kernel to access freed memory regions, leading to potential code execution in kernel context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the GPU subsystem's kernel interfaces to execute malicious system calls that bypass normal privilege checks. When a user-level process invokes GPU operations with specifically crafted parameters, the kernel's handling of these calls results in memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the same memory addresses. This use-after-free condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to overwrite kernel memory structures or execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates entirely within the GPU subsystem, which often runs with elevated privileges and has direct hardware access capabilities that make exploitation particularly dangerous.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with direct access to kernel memory spaces and system resources. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install rootkits, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where GPU drivers are installed and actively running, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments and cloud infrastructure where GPU acceleration is commonly deployed. The attack surface includes any system with GPU drivers that implement the vulnerable kernel interfaces, particularly affecting systems running graphics-intensive applications, virtualization platforms, and high-performance computing environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected GPU drivers and kernel components, while implementing additional security controls such as kernel address space layout randomization and control flow integrity mechanisms. System administrators should consider disabling unnecessary GPU functionality when not required and implement monitoring for suspicious GPU system call patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which addresses use-after-free conditions, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation. Organizations should also implement least-privilege principles for GPU access and regularly audit GPU driver installations to ensure only necessary components are present on systems. Additionally, deployment of kernel integrity protection mechanisms and runtime monitoring solutions can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts before they succeed.