CVE-2026-47588 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 condition by issuing a sequence of driver commands. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, denial of service and information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2026
The NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Linux presents a critical security flaw rooted in improper memory management within the kernel-space components that handle graphics processing unit operations. This vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free condition, which occurs when software continues to reference a block of memory after it has been freed or deallocated by the system. In this specific instance, an unprivileged user can trigger this state by issuing a carefully crafted sequence of driver commands. The root cause lies in the failure of the driver to properly validate references to previously allocated resources before accessing them, allowing a malicious actor to manipulate pointers that point to invalid or reused memory locations. This type of flaw is commonly associated with CWE-416, which defines use-after-free errors as a significant category of software weaknesses leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The operational impact of exploiting this vulnerability is severe due to the privileged nature of kernel-space execution. When an unprivileged user successfully triggers the use-after-free condition, they can potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the operating system's highest privilege level. This effectively allows for a complete escalation of privileges from a standard user account to that of the root or administrator, bypassing all intended access controls. Furthermore, depending on how the freed memory is reused by other processes or kernel threads, an attacker might be able to read sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions, leading to unauthorized information disclosure. In scenarios where the exploit causes system instability rather than code execution, it can result in a denial of service condition, crashing the graphics subsystem or the entire operating system and disrupting availability for all users on the affected machine.
From a tactical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers leveraging such kernel-level flaws often employ methods similar to those described in technique T1068, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation. The ability to execute code as root provides the attacker with full control over the system, enabling them to install persistent backdoors, modify security configurations, or pivot to other systems on the network. Additionally, if information disclosure is achieved through memory reads, it may facilitate further attacks by exposing cryptographic keys, session tokens, or sensitive user data stored in kernel buffers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying vendor-provided patches that address the underlying memory management logic within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver. System administrators should ensure that all Linux systems utilizing affected versions of the driver are updated to a version where the use-after-free condition has been resolved through proper pointer validation and lifecycle management checks. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, restricting access to the graphics device nodes or limiting which users can interact with the GPU via command-line interfaces can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, deploying kernel-level exploit mitigation techniques such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Kernel Stack Canaries may help prevent successful exploitation by making it more difficult for attackers to predict memory addresses required for reliable code execution. Regular auditing of driver updates and adherence to NVIDIA's security advisories are essential practices for maintaining the integrity of systems relying on GPU acceleration.