CVE-2026-47587 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2026
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Linux contains a vulnerability where an unprivileged user could cause a use-after-free. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2026
The NVIDIA GPU display driver for the Linux operating system has been identified as containing a critical memory management flaw that allows an unprivileged user to trigger a use-after-free condition within the kernel-space components responsible for handling graphics operations. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of object lifecycles during the processing of specific ioctl calls or buffer allocation requests, where references to previously freed memory structures are retained and subsequently accessed by the driver logic. In modern computing environments, GPUs are deeply integrated into the operating system's resource management layer, meaning that flaws in their drivers often translate directly into kernel-level security issues rather than isolated application crashes. The presence of this vulnerability indicates a failure in ensuring that all pointers to dynamically allocated memory structures are nullified or properly dereferenced after the associated resources have been released back to the pool, creating a window where stale pointers can be exploited by malicious actors who have local access to the system.
From an operational perspective, the impact of exploiting this use-after-free vulnerability is severe and multifaceted because it resides in kernel space. A successful exploitation allows an attacker with low-level privileges to execute arbitrary code within the context of the operating system's most privileged process. This effectively results in a complete escalation of privileges from unprivileged user status to root or SYSTEM level access, bypassing standard security controls such as mandatory access control policies and file permission restrictions. Beyond privilege escalation, the vulnerability can be leveraged to cause denial of service by corrupting kernel memory structures, leading to system instability, crashes, or blue screens that disrupt critical business operations. Furthermore, because the GPU driver interacts with video buffers and display outputs, an attacker could potentially read sensitive data from adjacent memory regions, resulting in information disclosure, or modify graphical output streams to tamper with visual data presented on connected displays, which poses significant risks in environments where visual integrity is paramount for security monitoring or financial transactions.
This vulnerability aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-416, which describes the use of a pointer to reallocated memory, and falls under the broader category of improper neutralization of user input during parsing (CWE-20) if the trigger involves malformed ioctl arguments. In terms of adversarial tactics as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this flaw facilitates initial access through local exploitation techniques such as T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and potentially contributes to persistence or defense evasion depending on how the exploit is integrated into a larger attack chain. The ability to execute code in kernel space also opens pathways for lateral movement within a network if the compromised host serves as a pivot point, highlighting the critical importance of patching GPU drivers across all endpoints that utilize NVIDIA hardware for graphics processing units acceleration.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate application of vendor-provided patches and updates to the Linux display driver stack, ensuring that systems are running versions where this memory management logic has been corrected with proper reference counting or pointer invalidation mechanisms. Organizations should enforce strict least-privilege policies on workstations and servers equipped with NVIDIA GPUs, restricting direct access to kernel interfaces and limiting which users can invoke specific graphics-related system calls. Additionally, implementing robust endpoint detection and response solutions capable of monitoring for anomalous memory allocation patterns or unexpected privilege escalations can help detect exploitation attempts in real time. Regular auditing of driver versions across the enterprise infrastructure is essential, as well as ensuring that virtualization layers managing GPU passthrough are also updated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited through guest operating systems attempting to interact with host-side drivers.