CVE-2025-33189 Overview
CVE-2025-33189 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the SROOT firmware of the NVIDIA DGX Spark GB10 platform. An authenticated local attacker can trigger the memory corruption to write outside allocated buffers within firmware execution context. The flaw is classified under CWE-787 and affects NVIDIA DGX OS running on DGX Spark hardware.
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, data tampering, denial of service, information disclosure, or privilege escalation on the affected system. Because the vulnerability lives in firmware, exploitation can undermine higher-layer operating system protections.
Critical Impact
An authenticated local attacker can corrupt SROOT firmware memory on NVIDIA DGX Spark GB10, potentially achieving code execution or privilege escalation below the operating system boundary.
Affected Products
- NVIDIA DGX Spark (GB10 hardware platform)
- NVIDIA DGX OS
- NVIDIA SROOT firmware component shipped with the above
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-25 - CVE-2025-33189 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-33189
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the SROOT firmware component of the NVIDIA DGX Spark GB10 platform. SROOT firmware operates as a privileged system component that executes below the general-purpose operating system. An out-of-bounds write in this layer allows an attacker to modify memory outside the bounds of an intended buffer, corrupting adjacent structures or control data.
Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and no user interaction. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability because firmware compromise can bypass operating system access controls. Consequences enumerated by NVIDIA include code execution, data tampering, denial of service, information disclosure, and escalation of privileges.
The issue is scored with local attack vector and low attack complexity, indicating that a logged-in user meeting minimal privilege requirements can reliably reach the vulnerable code path. No public proof-of-concept or in-the-wild exploitation has been reported at the time of publication.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of buffer bounds within the SROOT firmware when handling attacker-influenced input. The firmware writes data past the end of an allocated buffer, corrupting adjacent memory. This is a classic CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write pattern, typically arising from missing length checks, incorrect index arithmetic, or trust in unvalidated size fields.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access to a DGX Spark GB10 system with low-privilege user credentials. The attacker interacts with the vulnerable firmware interface exposed to the operating system, supplying crafted input that drives the out-of-bounds write. Because the corrupted state resides in firmware, a successful primitive can be escalated into full system compromise, persistent implantation, or denial of service of the DGX platform.
See the NVIDIA Support Advisory and the NVD CVE-2025-33189 Record for vendor-supplied technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-33189
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected SROOT firmware version strings or checksums that do not match the vendor-published patched build.
- Kernel or firmware logs reporting crashes, resets, or memory faults originating in the SROOT component.
- Unexplained privilege changes or new persistence artifacts on DGX Spark systems following local user activity.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all DGX Spark GB10 devices and compare installed SROOT firmware versions against the fixed release referenced in NVIDIA answer ID 5720.
- Baseline expected firmware measurements and alert on any deviation reported by platform attestation or measured boot.
- Correlate local logon events with subsequent firmware interface access to identify anomalous invocation patterns.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward DGX OS system logs, kernel messages, and firmware update events to a central log platform for retention and analysis.
- Monitor for repeated crashes or reboots on DGX Spark hosts, which may indicate exploit development or unstable exploitation attempts.
- Track privilege escalation events and new local account activity on DGX systems that host multi-tenant workloads.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-33189
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the SROOT firmware and DGX OS updates published in the NVIDIA Support Advisory (answer ID 5720) on all DGX Spark GB10 systems.
- Restrict local access to DGX Spark hosts to trusted administrators until patching is completed.
- Audit existing local accounts and remove or disable any that are not required for operations.
Patch Information
NVIDIA has published a security bulletin addressing CVE-2025-33189 through firmware updates for the DGX Spark GB10 platform and associated DGX OS packages. Refer to the NVIDIA Support Advisory for the exact fixed versions, update procedure, and any prerequisites. Validate firmware integrity after installation using vendor-provided checksums or attestation mechanisms.
Workarounds
- No vendor-supplied workaround is documented; applying the firmware update is the only supported remediation.
- Reduce exposure by enforcing least privilege on DGX Spark systems and limiting the set of users with interactive local access.
- Segment DGX Spark systems on isolated management networks to reduce the chance that a compromised low-privilege account can be used as a foothold.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
