CVE-2025-33236: NVIDIA NeMo Framework RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-33236 Overview

NVIDIA NeMo Framework contains a code injection vulnerability where malicious data created by an attacker could be processed in a way that allows arbitrary code to be executed. This vulnerability affects organizations using the NeMo Framework for AI/ML workloads and could enable attackers with local access to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, disclose sensitive information, or tamper with data within the affected environment.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could lead to code execution, privilege escalation, information disclosure, and data tampering within AI/ML environments running the NVIDIA NeMo Framework.

Affected Products

• NVIDIA NeMo Framework

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-18 - CVE CVE-2025-33236 published to NVD
• 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-33236

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code, or Code Injection). The flaw exists in how the NVIDIA NeMo Framework processes certain types of data, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input that gets interpreted and executed as code rather than being treated as data.

Code injection vulnerabilities occur when an application dynamically constructs code using untrusted input without proper validation or sanitization. In the context of the NeMo Framework, which is used for building, training, and fine-tuning AI models, this could allow an attacker to inject malicious code through specially crafted model data, configuration files, or training inputs.

The local attack vector indicates that an attacker would need some level of access to the system running the NeMo Framework, though the requirement for only low privileges makes this vulnerability particularly concerning in multi-user or shared computing environments common in AI/ML research and development.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper control of code generation (CWE-94) within the NVIDIA NeMo Framework. The framework fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-controlled data before using it in a context where it could be interpreted as executable code. This could occur during model loading, data deserialization, or script execution phases where the framework processes external input.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker requires access to the system where the NeMo Framework is installed. The exploitation flow would typically involve:

1. An attacker with low-privilege access prepares malicious data designed to exploit the code injection flaw
2. The malicious data is introduced into the NeMo Framework processing pipeline through model files, configuration data, or training datasets
3. When the framework processes this data, the injected code executes with the privileges of the NeMo Framework process
4. This could result in privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise

The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond the normal operation of the framework, making it particularly dangerous in automated pipeline environments. For detailed technical specifications, refer to the NVIDIA Support Article.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-33236

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected process spawning or child processes originating from NeMo Framework components
• Unusual file system access patterns by processes associated with AI/ML model loading or training
• Abnormal network connections initiated by NeMo Framework processes
• Suspicious modifications to model files, training data, or configuration files

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for code execution anomalies in environments running NVIDIA NeMo Framework
• Implement file integrity monitoring on model files and configuration data
• Use application whitelisting to detect unauthorized code execution from NeMo processes
• Deploy behavioral analysis to identify unusual patterns during model loading operations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all NeMo Framework operations, particularly model loading and data processing
• Monitor system calls and process creation events from NeMo Framework processes
• Implement alerting for privilege escalation attempts within AI/ML computing environments
• Review access logs for unauthorized modifications to model files or training datasets

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-33236

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the official security patch from NVIDIA as soon as available
• Restrict local access to systems running the NeMo Framework to only essential personnel
• Implement strict input validation for all data processed by the NeMo Framework
• Review and audit model files and training data sources for potential compromise

Patch Information

NVIDIA has acknowledged this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the NVIDIA Support Article for official patch information and update instructions. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running the NeMo Framework, particularly those in shared or multi-tenant environments.

Workarounds

• Implement strict access controls to limit who can submit data to the NeMo Framework
• Run NeMo Framework processes in isolated containers or sandboxed environments
• Enable application sandboxing and principle of least privilege for NeMo processes
• Validate all model files and training data against known good checksums before loading

# Configuration example
# Restrict NeMo Framework process permissions using systemd
# /etc/systemd/system/nemo-framework.service.d/security.conf
[Service]
NoNewPrivileges=true
ProtectSystem=strict
PrivateTmp=true
ReadOnlyPaths=/models
RestrictSUIDSGID=true