CVE-2026-65081 in NemoClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
NVIDIA NemoClaw for Linux contains a vulnerability in its installation process, where an attacker could cause execution of untrusted code. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, information disclosure, and denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2026
The NVIDIA NemoClaw software for Linux presents a critical security concern rooted in its installation procedure, specifically involving the handling of untrusted inputs during the setup phase. This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject or manipulate components within the installation process, leading to the execution of arbitrary code that was not intended by the system administrator or user. The core technical flaw lies in insufficient validation and sanitization mechanisms applied to files or scripts processed during deployment. When the installer processes external inputs without rigorous checks for integrity, authenticity, or origin, it creates a pathway for malicious actors to substitute legitimate binaries with compromised versions. This type of failure is characteristic of insecure deserialization or improper input validation flaws where trust boundaries are not properly enforced between the installation environment and external data sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the elevated privileges typically associated with software installation processes on Linux systems. A successful exploitation can result in full code execution within the context of the user performing the install, which often possesses administrative rights or access to sensitive system directories. This capability enables attackers to escalate privileges by modifying system configurations, installing backdoors, or altering kernel modules if applicable. Furthermore, the ability to execute untrusted code facilitates data tampering, where critical application data or configuration files can be altered to disrupt service logic or steal information. Information disclosure is also a significant risk, as compromised processes may access memory spaces or file systems containing credentials, API keys, or proprietary algorithms embedded within the NemoClaw framework.
In terms of industry standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection) and potentially CWE-20 Improper Input Validation if the root cause is traced to inadequate checking of input parameters. From a tactical perspective, it maps to MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing injected payloads or T1195 Supply Chain Compromise if the attack vector involves tampering with distribution channels. The exploitation chain typically begins with social engineering or network-based injection during the download or pre-installation phase, followed by privilege escalation once the malicious code is executed under high-privilege contexts.
Mitigation strategies must focus on hardening the installation environment and verifying software integrity before deployment. Organizations should implement strict checksum verification using cryptographic hashes like SHA-256 for all downloaded artifacts to ensure they match official releases from NVIDIA. Additionally, enabling secure boot mechanisms and enforcing least privilege principles during installation can limit the blast radius of any potential compromise. It is advisable to run installation scripts in isolated containers or virtual machines with limited network access to prevent lateral movement if an exploit occurs. Regularly updating NemoClaw to versions that address these input validation flaws is essential, alongside monitoring system logs for anomalous process executions during software deployment windows.