CVE-2025-23279 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2025
NVIDIA .run Installer for Linux and Solaris contains a vulnerability where an attacker could use a race condition to escalate privileges. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, denial of service, or data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23279 resides within the NVIDIA .run installer for Linux and Solaris operating systems, representing a critical race condition flaw that enables unauthorized privilege escalation. This installer, which is commonly used to deploy NVIDIA graphics drivers and associated components, contains a timing-sensitive flaw that allows malicious actors to manipulate the installation process and gain elevated system privileges. The race condition occurs during the installation sequence when multiple processes or threads access shared resources without proper synchronization mechanisms, creating opportunities for exploitation. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged by attackers who do not initially possess system-level access but can manipulate the installation environment to achieve unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this race condition involves improper handling of temporary files, directory permissions, or symbolic link manipulation during the installation process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by carefully timing their actions to intercept or modify critical installation components while the installer executes with elevated privileges. The flaw typically manifests when the installer creates temporary files or directories without adequate access controls or atomic operations, allowing an attacker to substitute malicious content or manipulate file permissions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems where concurrent operations can lead to unpredictable behavior and security breaches. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during system administration activities when elevated privileges are temporarily granted to the installation process, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass multiple security risks including code execution, information disclosure, denial of service, and data tampering. When successfully exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The information disclosure aspect allows attackers to access sensitive system data that would normally be protected, while the denial of service component can render the system unstable or unusable. Data tampering capabilities enable attackers to modify critical system files or configuration settings, potentially creating backdoors or persistent access mechanisms. This vulnerability affects the entire installation lifecycle and can be exploited in various scenarios including targeted attacks on systems with NVIDIA graphics drivers, supply chain compromises, or exploitation during routine system maintenance activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23279 should prioritize immediate patching of affected NVIDIA installer versions and implementation of proper access controls during installation processes. System administrators should ensure that installation environments are properly secured and that no unauthorized users can manipulate temporary files or directories during the installation process. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running installation processes with minimal required permissions and avoiding unnecessary elevation of privileges during execution. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging of installation activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through legitimate system processes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to systems during installation phases. Regular security assessments should include verification of installation integrity and proper implementation of atomic operations in system administration tools. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper synchronization mechanisms in system-level software components.