CVE-2026-47577 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2026
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the kernel module where an attacker could cause an incorrect comparison. 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 Graphics Kernel Module for Microsoft Windows presents a critical security flaw rooted in improper input validation within the kernel-level display driver architecture. This specific weakness manifests as an incorrect comparison operation during the processing of user-mode requests directed at the graphics hardware abstraction layer. Because this code executes with high privileges, typically at Ring 0 or equivalent system integrity levels, any logical error in how data is validated before being passed to lower-level drivers or hardware interfaces can have severe consequences for system stability and security posture. The vulnerability arises from a failure to correctly verify bounds, types, or expected states during the execution of specific IOCTL (Input/Output Control) commands, allowing an attacker to manipulate internal state variables through crafted input sequences that bypass intended logical checks.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-697, which describes incorrect comparison results, and potentially CWE-20 regarding improper input validation when the root cause involves malformed data structures being accepted without sufficient scrutiny. The presence of such a logic error in a kernel module is particularly dangerous because it bypasses many standard user-mode security controls. An attacker who can execute arbitrary code on the local system or exploit a remote vector depending on the specific attack surface exposed by the driver could trigger this incorrect comparison to alter program flow unexpectedly. This deviation from expected behavior creates an opportunity for privilege escalation, where a low-privileged process gains administrative rights, or information disclosure, where sensitive kernel memory contents are leaked through side channels or direct access resulting from the flawed state manipulation.
The operational impact of exploiting this vulnerability is multifaceted and severe. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the system account, effectively granting full control over the affected machine. This capability allows for complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may use this access to install malware, create backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data stored on the endpoint. Furthermore, the vulnerability can be leveraged to cause a denial of service by crashing the graphics subsystem or the entire operating system through kernel panics or blue screens of death induced by invalid memory operations resulting from the incorrect comparison logic. In scenarios involving remote code execution vectors, such as those potentially exposed via network-facing services that interact with the display driver stack, this flaw could facilitate initial access for advanced persistent threats targeting enterprise environments.
In terms of threat modeling and adversary behavior, this vulnerability maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Specifically, it supports tactics involving exploitation of software vulnerabilities during both local and remote attack phases. The ability to escalate privileges from a standard user account to SYSTEM level is a common objective for attackers seeking persistent access or lateral movement within a networked environment. By manipulating the kernel module's internal logic, an adversary can bypass security mechanisms that rely on correct state transitions, thereby evading detection by endpoint protection solutions that may not monitor low-level driver interactions closely enough.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching and configuration hardening. Organizations should apply the latest NVIDIA graphics driver updates released to address this specific kernel module flaw, ensuring that all endpoints running affected versions are updated promptly. In environments where updating drivers is not immediately feasible due to compatibility constraints with specialized hardware or applications, network segmentation can help limit exposure by restricting access to systems running vulnerable components from untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing strict application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual kernel-mode activity using advanced endpoint detection and response tools can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability scanning focused on driver versions and component integrity checks is also recommended to maintain visibility into the security posture of graphics subsystems across the enterprise infrastructure.