CVE-2024-0126

What it actually does

Allows a privileged local attacker to escalate permissions within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution, denial of service, further privilege escalation, information disclosure, or data tampering.

Why it matters to the business

Successful exploitation on affected systems can lead to full host compromise, service disruption, or data loss, increasing operational risk and potential regulatory exposure for organizations relying on the vulnerable driver.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with existing high-privileged local access targets the driver vulnerability to bypass permission boundaries and obtain higher-level code execution or persistence capabilities.

How to fix it

Update affected packages to the listed fixed versions: python311-core (SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1, python311 (SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Python 3 15 SP6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1, python311-core (SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Python 3 15 SP6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1, python311 (openSUSE:Leap 15.6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1, python311-core (openSUSE:Leap 15.6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1, and python311-documentation (openSUSE:Leap 15.6) to 3.11.10-150600.3.6.1. Apply vendor patches promptly given the high CVSS score.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify installed package versions match or exceed the fixed releases above using package managers, then confirm the driver or component no longer exhibits the permission-escalation behavior through vendor-supplied test utilities or updated system baselines.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain initial local privileged access on a Windows or Linux system with the vulnerable NVIDIA driver installed.
2. Trigger the permission-escalation flaw through crafted input or API calls to the driver.
3. Escalate to kernel or higher-privileged context to execute arbitrary code or tamper with system resources.

How to detect it

Review system logs for unexpected driver-related privilege changes or anomalous process spawns from the display driver; examine package installation histories for unpatched versions of the listed python311 components.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching all listed packages to the exact fixed versions within the next maintenance window.
• Inventory systems using the affected NVIDIA driver or python311 packages to assess exposure scope.
• Monitor EPSS and KEV updates for any future increase in exploit activity.