CVE-2025-23279
📋 TL;DR
A race condition vulnerability in NVIDIA .run installers for Linux and Solaris allows local attackers to escalate privileges. This affects systems where NVIDIA drivers or software are installed using the vulnerable installer. Attackers could potentially gain root access on affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- NVIDIA .run installer for Linux and Solaris
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with root privileges, allowing complete control over the system, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation to root, enabling installation of malware, data access, and system configuration changes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation and minimal user access, though local users could still escalate.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and race condition timing, making exploitation somewhat challenging but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check NVIDIA advisory for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5670
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Visit NVIDIA driver download page. 2. Download latest .run installer. 3. Stop affected services. 4. Run installer with appropriate flags. 5. Verify installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Use package manager installation
linuxInstall NVIDIA drivers via system package manager instead of .run installer
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-xxx
sudo yum install nvidia-driver-xxx
Restrict installer permissions
linuxLimit who can execute .run installers and monitor for suspicious activity
sudo chmod 750 /path/to/installer.run
sudo auditctl -w /path/to/installer.run -p x -k nvidia_install
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who has local access to affected systems
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual root activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if NVIDIA software was installed using .run installer method and review version against advisoryCheck Version:
nvidia-smi --query-gpu=driver_version --format=csv,noheaderVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed NVIDIA driver version matches or exceeds patched version from advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple rapid executions of .run installer
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious process creation from installer
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process contains 'run' AND (privilege escalation OR user context change)