CVE-2025-33249: NVIDIA NeMo Framework RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-33249 Overview

CVE-2025-33249 is a command injection vulnerability (CWE-77) affecting the NVIDIA NeMo Framework across all platforms. The vulnerability exists within a voice-preprocessing script where malicious input crafted by an attacker could lead to code injection. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, information disclosure, and data tampering on affected systems.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows local attackers with low privileges to inject malicious commands through the voice-preprocessing script, potentially leading to complete system compromise including code execution, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration.

Affected Products

• NVIDIA NeMo Framework (all platforms)
• NVIDIA NeMo voice-preprocessing components
• Systems utilizing NeMo Framework for AI/ML workloads

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-18 - CVE-2025-33249 published to NVD
• 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-33249

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), commonly known as Command Injection. The flaw resides in the voice-preprocessing script within the NVIDIA NeMo Framework, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands.

The attack requires local access to the system and low-level privileges, but does not require any user interaction to exploit. When successfully exploited, an attacker can achieve complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The impact extends beyond the vulnerable component's scope, as attackers can leverage the code execution to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and tamper with system configurations.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-33249 is improper input validation in the voice-preprocessing script within the NeMo Framework. The script accepts user-controlled input that is subsequently passed to system command execution functions without adequate sanitization or escaping of special characters. This allows attackers to break out of the intended command context and inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the NeMo Framework process.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have existing access to the target system to exploit this vulnerability. The attacker can craft malicious input containing command injection payloads such as shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, $(), backticks) that, when processed by the voice-preprocessing script, cause unintended command execution.

The vulnerability can be exploited by providing specially crafted input to the voice-preprocessing functionality. When the script processes this input, the injected commands are executed in the context of the application, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, read sensitive files, modify data, or escalate privileges on the target system.

For technical implementation details, refer to the NVIDIA Support Answer security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-33249

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected process spawning from NeMo Framework voice-preprocessing scripts
• Suspicious command-line arguments containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, $(), backticks) in NeMo-related processes
• Anomalous file access or network connections originating from NeMo Framework processes
• Unexpected privilege escalation attempts following NeMo Framework execution

Detection Strategies

• Monitor system calls and process creation events associated with NeMo Framework components for signs of command injection
• Implement file integrity monitoring on NeMo Framework installation directories and configuration files
• Deploy endpoint detection rules that alert on shell metacharacter sequences in voice-preprocessing input parameters
• Review application logs for malformed or suspicious input patterns being processed by voice-preprocessing scripts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the NeMo Framework to capture detailed input processing activities
• Configure security information and event management (SIEM) systems to correlate events from systems running NeMo Framework
• Establish baseline behavior for NeMo Framework processes and alert on deviations from normal operation
• Monitor for unexpected child processes spawned by NeMo-related applications

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-33249

Immediate Actions Required

• Review all systems running NVIDIA NeMo Framework and identify vulnerable installations
• Restrict local access to systems running NeMo Framework to only authorized users
• Implement input validation controls at the application boundary before data reaches the voice-preprocessing script
• Apply the principle of least privilege to NeMo Framework processes and service accounts

Patch Information

NVIDIA has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Users should consult the official NVIDIA Support Answer for detailed patch information and upgrade instructions. It is strongly recommended to update to the latest patched version of the NeMo Framework as soon as possible.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all data processed by voice-preprocessing scripts
• Run NeMo Framework processes in sandboxed or containerized environments with minimal privileges
• Deploy application-level firewalls or security policies that block known command injection patterns
• Restrict network access from systems running NeMo Framework to limit lateral movement in case of exploitation

# Example: Restrict permissions on NeMo Framework directories
chmod 750 /path/to/nemo/framework
chown -R nemo_service:nemo_group /path/to/nemo/framework

# Limit process capabilities using systemd service configuration
# Add to NeMo service unit file:
# CapabilityBoundingSet=CAP_NET_BIND_SERVICE
# NoNewPrivileges=true
# ProtectSystem=strict
# ProtectHome=true