CVE-2026-47500 in GeForce
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2026
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer where improper cleanup of reference counts during error paths could lead to a use-after-free condition. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within the kernel-mode components of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for both Windows and Linux operating systems. This specific flaw is categorized as an improper cleanup of reference counts during error handling paths, which fundamentally violates secure memory management principles. In complex driver architectures like those used by graphics processing units, objects are frequently allocated in kernel space and managed through reference counting mechanisms to ensure that resources are freed only when no longer needed. When the code fails to properly decrement or release these references upon encountering an error condition, it leaves dangling pointers or invalid memory states that can be exploited by malicious actors. This type of flaw is a classic example of CWE-416, Use After Free, where software continues to use a pointer after it has been freed, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its location in the kernel mode layer. Kernel-mode execution provides unrestricted access to system resources, meaning that an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw gains significant control over the affected system. A successful exploit could result in arbitrary code execution with high privileges, effectively allowing the compromise of the entire operating system. Furthermore, the vulnerability can lead to denial of service conditions by crashing the kernel or causing system instability. It also poses risks for privilege escalation, where a lower-privileged user process might leverage this flaw to gain administrative rights, and information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data stored in memory that was not properly cleared before being reallocated. Data tampering is another potential consequence, as an attacker could modify critical system structures or application data residing in kernel space.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers may utilize local exploits such as those described under T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation to gain initial footholds within the system. The ability to execute code in kernel mode also facilitates persistence mechanisms, allowing malware to embed itself deeply within the operating system where it is harder to detect and remove by standard security tools. Additionally, the potential for information disclosure supports reconnaissance activities, enabling attackers to gather sensitive information about the host environment, which can be used to plan further attacks against connected networks or other systems.
Mitigation strategies primarily involve applying vendor-provided patches that address the reference counting logic in the driver's error handling routines. System administrators should ensure that NVIDIA GPU drivers are updated to the latest stable versions released by the manufacturer, as these updates typically include fixes for known kernel-mode vulnerabilities. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, implementing strict application whitelisting and limiting user privileges can reduce the attack surface. Monitoring system logs for unusual activity related to driver loads or memory access violations may also help in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding standards that emphasize proper resource management are essential preventive measures against such kernel-level vulnerabilities.