CVE-2025-33219
📋 TL;DR
The NVIDIA Display Driver for Linux contains an integer overflow vulnerability in the kernel module that could allow local attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service. This affects Linux systems with vulnerable NVIDIA GPU drivers installed. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- NVIDIA Display Driver for Linux
⚠️ 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 kernel-level code execution leading to complete data theft, system takeover, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain root access on affected systems, potentially leading to data tampering and lateral movement.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, but still potential for denial of service if exploited.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and kernel exploitation knowledge. Integer overflow vulnerabilities in kernel drivers can be challenging but feasible for skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check NVIDIA advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5747
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current NVIDIA driver version: nvidia-smi
2. Visit NVIDIA driver download page
3. Download latest driver for your Linux distribution
4. Stop display manager: sudo systemctl stop gdm (or lightdm/kdm)
5. Install new driver: sudo sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-xxx.xx.run
6. Reboot system
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
linuxLimit local user access to systems with vulnerable NVIDIA drivers
Use open-source drivers
linuxSwitch to open-source Nouveau drivers if GPU functionality requirements allow
sudo apt remove nvidia-driver-xxx
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Isolate systems with vulnerable drivers from critical network segments
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NVIDIA driver version: nvidia-smi | grep 'Driver Version'Check Version:
nvidia-smi --query-gpu=driver_version --format=csv,noheaderVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version matches or exceeds patched version from NVIDIA advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Driver crash messages in dmesg
- Unexpected privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Linux workstations with NVIDIA GPUs
SIEM Query:
EventID=4624 AND PrivilegeList LIKE '%SeDebugPrivilege%' OR ProcessName contains 'nvidia' AND ParentProcess is user-level