CVE-2026-24262 in DGX Spark
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2026
NVIDIA DGX Spark contains a vulnerability in the system firmware, where a privileged attacker could be able to cause an out-of-bounds write. A successful exploit of this vulnerability may lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within the system firmware components of NVIDIA DGX Spark hardware platforms, representing a critical security flaw that compromises the foundational trust layer of the computing environment. This specific weakness is characterized as an out-of-bounds write condition, which occurs when software operations attempt to write data beyond the allocated boundaries of a memory buffer or array structure. In the context of firmware development, such errors often stem from insufficient validation of input parameters during low-level system initialization or hardware abstraction layer processing. The presence of this flaw indicates that the underlying code fails to properly enforce memory safety constraints, allowing malicious actors who have already obtained privileged access to manipulate critical data structures in unintended ways.
From a technical perspective, an out-of-bounds write is particularly dangerous because it can corrupt adjacent memory regions containing sensitive control flow information or security-critical variables. When a privileged attacker exploits this condition, they gain the ability to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other metadata that dictates how the system operates at runtime. This capability effectively neutralizes many standard defense mechanisms such as stack canaries or non-executable stacks if the overwritten memory falls within executable regions or is used by subsequent firmware routines. The vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which classifies out-of-bounds writes as a severe integrity violation that undermines the reliability and security of software systems.
The operational impact of successfully exploiting this firmware-level flaw is extensive and multifaceted. A successful exploit can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the most privileged system account or hardware management controller. This escalation allows an attacker to bypass operating system level protections, effectively gaining full control over the DGX Spark instance. Beyond immediate code execution, the vulnerability facilitates denial of service conditions by corrupting essential firmware structures required for normal boot sequences or hardware operation, potentially rendering the device inoperable until a manual recovery process is initiated. Furthermore, the ability to write arbitrary data enables information disclosure and data tampering, as attackers can read from or modify sensitive configuration settings, cryptographic keys, or stored user data that resides in memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable buffer.
This vulnerability maps directly to several tactics within the MITRE ATT&CK framework for enterprise security. The exploitation of firmware flaws typically falls under the Tactic Initial Access if leveraged via a privileged account compromise, and more critically under Privilege Escalation as it allows moving from standard user privileges to full system control. It also relates to Persistence mechanisms since modified firmware can survive operating system reinstalls or reboots, providing long-term access for adversaries. Additionally, the potential for data tampering aligns with Impact tactics involving Data Manipulation and Denial of Service. The high severity stems from the fact that remediation often requires complex hardware-level updates rather than simple software patches, increasing the window of exposure during mitigation efforts.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate isolation of affected systems if possible, followed by strict adherence to vendor-provided firmware update schedules. NVIDIA typically releases microcode or BIOS/UEFI updates that patch these low-level memory management errors through improved bounds checking and input validation routines in the system initialization code. Organizations should ensure that their asset inventory accurately reflects all DGX Spark units deployed within their infrastructure to facilitate targeted patching. Additionally, implementing strict access controls for privileged accounts reduces the attack surface by limiting the number of entities capable of triggering the vulnerable code paths. Regular auditing of firmware integrity using secure boot mechanisms and measured boot processes can also help detect unauthorized modifications resulting from such exploits before they lead to full system compromise.