CVE-2026-47556 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 an unprivileged user could cause an integer overflow that leads to 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 GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux contains a critical security flaw within its kernel mode layer that allows an unprivileged user to trigger an integer overflow condition. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of arithmetic operations during memory allocation or buffer management processes inherent to the graphics driver's interaction with the operating system's kernel. When specific inputs are processed, the calculation for buffer sizes or array indices fails to account for potential overflows, resulting in a value that wraps around to a significantly smaller number than intended. This miscalculation leads directly to an out-of-bounds write operation, where data is written to memory locations outside the boundaries of the allocated buffer. The presence of this flaw indicates a fundamental weakness in input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the driver's kernel components, which are typically executed with high privileges on the host system.
The operational impact of exploiting this vulnerability is severe due to the elevated context in which the GPU driver operates. A successful exploit can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing an attacker to run malicious software with the same permissions as the kernel or trusted system processes. This capability facilitates privilege escalation, enabling a low-privileged user account to gain administrative control over the affected machine. Furthermore, the vulnerability poses significant risks for denial of service conditions, as memory corruption can crash the graphics subsystem or the entire operating system. Information disclosure is also possible if the out-of-bounds write allows an attacker to read sensitive kernel data structures, potentially exposing cryptographic keys or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions. Data tampering remains a risk where critical system states or application data are corrupted through unauthorized writes.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190 Integer Overflow or Wraparound and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write. These Common Weakness Enumerations highlight the specific technical failures in arithmetic handling and memory safety that characterize the flaw. In terms of tactical behavior, exploitation techniques may map to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution or T1055 Process Injection if the attacker leverages the kernel access to inject code into running processes. The ability to escalate privileges corresponds directly to T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, while potential data exfiltration scenarios relate to T1042 Sensitive Information Discovery. Understanding these mappings helps security teams anticipate how threat actors might leverage this flaw in real-world attack chains against systems running NVIDIA GPU drivers.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching of the affected driver versions provided by NVIDIA. System administrators should verify that all workstations and servers utilizing NVIDIA GPUs are updated to the latest stable release where this kernel mode vulnerability has been addressed. In environments where updating is not immediately feasible, implementing strict application whitelisting can prevent untrusted software from interacting with the GPU driver in ways that trigger the overflow condition. Additionally, enabling hardware-enforced stack protection features such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) may reduce the likelihood of successful code execution even if memory corruption occurs. Continuous monitoring for anomalous kernel activity or unexpected privilege changes can also aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts before significant damage is incurred.