CVE-2026-47541 in Virtual GPU Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2026
NVIDIA vGPU Virtual GPU Manager for Linux contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer where an attacker could cause an out-of-bounds write. 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 NVIDIA vGPU Virtual GPU Manager for Linux presents a critical security risk due to a flaw located within the kernel mode layer of its software architecture. This specific component is responsible for managing virtualized graphics processing units in server environments, facilitating resource sharing among multiple virtual machines or containers. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition, which represents a severe memory safety violation where the application writes data beyond the allocated boundaries of a buffer. In kernel mode operations, such errors are particularly dangerous because they bypass user-space protections and directly affect the stability and security of the operating system core. An attacker who can trigger this flaw gains the ability to corrupt adjacent memory structures, potentially overwriting critical control flow data or sensitive information stored in nearby memory locations.
From a technical perspective, out-of-bounds writes are classified under CWE-787 as they involve improper access to memory with write permissions outside of intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability often arises from insufficient validation of input parameters or incorrect calculations regarding buffer sizes during runtime operations within the vGPU manager. When an attacker successfully exploits this condition, they can manipulate the state of the kernel by overwriting function pointers, return addresses, or other control structures. This capability allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the kernel process, which is typically root-level access on Linux systems. The exploitation vector may vary depending on the deployment model but generally requires some form of interaction with the vGPU interface, potentially through a compromised guest virtual machine or an unprivileged user account that has been granted specific GPU resource permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is extensive and severe. A successful exploit can lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel space. This facilitates privilege escalation from low-privilege users to root-level access without requiring additional exploits or social engineering tactics. Furthermore, the integrity of the system is compromised as data tampering becomes feasible through direct memory manipulation. Denial of service conditions can also be induced by corrupting critical kernel structures, leading to system crashes and unavailability of virtualized GPU resources for legitimate workloads. Additionally, information disclosure may occur if sensitive kernel data or credentials are leaked into accessible memory regions during the exploitation process, providing further avenues for lateral movement within a networked environment.
In terms of threat modeling, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, specifically those involving kernel-level exploits such as local privilege escalation via vulnerable drivers or components. The ability to execute code in kernel mode also supports persistence mechanisms that are difficult for standard endpoint detection systems to identify due to their deep integration within the operating system core. Organizations utilizing NVIDIA vGPU technology must recognize that this flaw affects the foundational trust boundary between virtualized workloads and the host infrastructure, making it a high-priority target for remediation efforts in enterprise data centers and cloud service providers.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected NVIDIA vGPU Virtual GPU Manager software to versions where the out-of-bounds write condition has been resolved through improved input validation and memory management practices. Administrators must ensure that all host systems running vulnerable components are updated promptly according to vendor advisories. In environments where patching is not immediately feasible, strict access controls should be implemented to limit which users or virtual machines can interact with the vGPU manager interfaces. Network segmentation can also help isolate affected hosts from critical infrastructure assets, reducing the blast radius in case of a successful exploitation attempt. Regular auditing of kernel module loads and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns using advanced endpoint detection tools can provide additional layers of defense against potential exploits targeting this vulnerability.