CVE-2026-47513 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 a user could cause an out-of-bounds read from kernel heap memory. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
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 classified as an out-of-bounds read from kernel heap memory, which represents a critical class of software defects where a program accesses data beyond the intended boundaries of a buffer or allocated memory region. In the context of graphics drivers, such vulnerabilities often arise during complex operations involving hardware state management, display pipeline configuration, or memory allocation for rendering contexts. The kernel mode layer operates with the highest level of system privileges, meaning that any compromise at this level bypasses standard user-space security controls and directly impacts the integrity of the underlying operating system core.
From a technical perspective, an out-of-bounds read in kernel heap space allows an attacker to retrieve sensitive data stored adjacent to the targeted buffer or to trigger undefined behavior within the driver's execution flow. While reads are generally considered less severe than writes because they do not immediately alter memory contents, they provide critical intelligence about the system state. An adversary can leverage this information leak to map out kernel memory layouts, identify security mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) offsets, and locate addresses of other sensitive functions or data structures. This capability significantly lowers the barrier for subsequent exploitation stages, transforming a simple information disclosure into a potential pathway for more severe attacks.
The operational impact of exploiting this vulnerability is substantial due to the elevated privileges inherent in kernel-mode execution. A successful exploit could lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the operating system's kernel, effectively granting the attacker full control over the affected machine. This can result in a complete denial of service if the exploitation causes a system crash or blue screen, disrupting critical operations. Furthermore, it enables privilege escalation from unprivileged user accounts to SYSTEM or root level access, allowing persistent backdoors and lateral movement within networked environments. Information disclosure remains a primary risk, as sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or proprietary information stored in kernel memory could be exfiltrated. Data tampering is also possible if the out-of-bounds read facilitates further manipulation of system structures, leading to integrity violations across applications and services running on the compromised host.
In terms of industry standard classifications, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which describes accessing memory beyond the bounds of a buffer without writing to it. It also relates closely to CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write if the read operation inadvertently triggers side effects that lead to write conditions, though the primary description specifies reading. From an offensive security perspective, this falls under MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter or more specifically techniques related to Kernel Mode exploits such as T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The attack vector typically involves a local user triggering the vulnerable driver function through specific API calls, making it an Local Attack Vector scenario that requires physical access or compromised low-privilege accounts on the target system.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying the latest vendor-provided updates for NVIDIA GPU drivers to close this kernel-mode gap immediately. Since driver vulnerabilities often require specific trigger conditions, implementing strict application whitelisting can prevent unauthorized processes from invoking vulnerable display functions. Additionally, enabling hardware-enforced stack protection features such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) adds layers of defense that increase the difficulty of successful exploitation even if the vulnerability is present. For high-security environments, restricting direct access to GPU driver interfaces through containerization or virtual machine isolation can limit the blast radius should an exploit occur. Continuous monitoring for anomalous kernel activity and regular audits of third-party driver installations are essential components of a robust defense-in-depth strategy against such low-level system vulnerabilities.