CVE-2026-47512 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2026
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer, where a user could cause an out-of-bounds read leading to kernel information disclosure. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2026
The identified security flaw resides within the kernel-mode components of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for both Windows and Linux operating systems. This specific vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when the driver software accesses memory locations beyond the intended boundaries of a buffer or data structure. In the context of graphics processing unit drivers, such errors often arise from improper validation of input parameters passed from user-mode applications to kernel-space routines. When a local user triggers this flaw by providing crafted inputs that exceed expected limits, the system attempts to read data from memory addresses that are not allocated for that specific operation. This behavior violates fundamental principles of memory safety and isolation, allowing the process to access sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions that should remain inaccessible.
The immediate technical consequence of this out-of-bounds read is kernel information disclosure. By reading arbitrary kernel memory, an attacker can extract valuable data such as stack pointers, heap addresses, or other internal driver states. This leakage significantly aids in bypassing modern security mitigations like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), which relies on keeping the locations of system components unpredictable to prevent exploitation. Once an attacker obtains these memory addresses, they gain a clearer map of the kernel's layout, facilitating more precise and reliable subsequent attacks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125, Out-of-bounds Read, reflecting its nature as a boundary violation that leads to unauthorized data access rather than immediate system crash or overwrite.
From an operational perspective, while the initial impact involves information disclosure, the potential for escalation is severe. A successful exploitation of this flaw can lead to arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. Since NVIDIA drivers operate with high privileges in both Windows and Linux environments, gaining control over their execution flow allows a local attacker to escalate privileges from a standard user account to that of SYSTEM or root. This effectively compromises the entire host system, granting the adversary full administrative access. Furthermore, the vulnerability can be leveraged to cause denial of service conditions by triggering kernel panics or crashes through malformed inputs, disrupting availability for other users on the same machine. The risk extends to data tampering as well, given that kernel-level code execution permits modification of any process memory and system files.
This type of vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Specifically, it relates to techniques involving exploitation for credential access or persistence through driver-based mechanisms. The ability to read kernel memory supports reconnaissance activities where attackers gather information about installed security software or system configurations before launching further exploits. For organizations relying on NVIDIA hardware for compute-intensive tasks or graphical workstations, this vulnerability represents a critical risk vector because local physical or remote code execution capabilities in the user space can be chained with this driver flaw to achieve full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies must focus primarily on applying vendor-provided patches that address the boundary checks within the kernel-mode driver components. Administrators should ensure that NVIDIA display drivers are updated to versions where these out-of-bounds read conditions have been corrected through rigorous input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, restricting local user access to GPU resources or disabling unnecessary driver functionalities can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, deploying endpoint detection and response solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous kernel memory accesses may help detect exploitation attempts in real-time. Regular auditing of installed drivers and adherence to least-privilege principles remain essential practices to mitigate the risks associated with complex software like graphics drivers that operate at high privilege levels.