CVE-2026-24262 Overview
CVE-2026-24262 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability [CWE-787] in the system firmware of NVIDIA DGX Spark. A privileged local attacker can write outside the intended memory boundaries within the firmware. Successful exploitation may result in code execution, privilege escalation, denial of service, information disclosure, and data tampering.
The vulnerability requires local access with high privileges but has a scope change, meaning exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable firmware itself. NVIDIA published details in its product security repository on GitHub.
Critical Impact
A privileged local attacker can execute arbitrary code within the firmware trust boundary, undermining platform integrity on affected NVIDIA DGX Spark systems.
Affected Products
- NVIDIA DGX Spark system firmware
- Refer to the NVIDIA product security advisory for specific firmware version ranges
- No additional CPE entries are published in the NVD record at this time
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-25 - CVE-2026-24262 published to NVD
- 2026-08-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-24262
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw is an out-of-bounds write within the NVIDIA DGX Spark system firmware. The firmware fails to validate the size or offset of data being written to a memory buffer, allowing writes past the allocated region. Firmware executes with the highest privileges on the platform, so memory corruption at this layer can bypass operating-system protections entirely.
The attack vector is local, and the attacker must already hold high privileges on the host. However, the CVSS scope is changed, indicating that successful exploitation can compromise resources managed by a different security authority such as the firmware or platform runtime. Impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Root Cause
The vulnerability stems from missing or insufficient bounds checking when the firmware processes attacker-influenced input into a fixed-size buffer. Writing beyond the buffer overwrites adjacent firmware data structures, function pointers, or control-flow metadata. This corruption enables the attacker to redirect execution or tamper with platform state.
Attack Vector
An attacker with administrative or root-equivalent privileges on the DGX Spark host must issue crafted requests to the vulnerable firmware interface. This is typically achieved through firmware-facing system calls, management interfaces, or driver-mediated commands available only to privileged accounts. Remote exploitation is not possible without first obtaining local privileged access.
No public proof-of-concept code is available. The EPSS probability is 0.193%, reflecting a low near-term likelihood of observed exploitation. Technical specifics are documented in the NVIDIA product security repository.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24262
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected firmware update events or firmware version mismatches on DGX Spark hosts
- Kernel or system logs showing repeated privileged calls to firmware management interfaces from non-administrative workflows
- Unexplained system reboots, kernel panics, or platform-level errors following administrative activity
Detection Strategies
- Monitor privileged process activity that interacts with firmware update or configuration paths on DGX Spark systems
- Baseline expected administrator behavior and alert on out-of-band firmware or management-interface access
- Correlate privilege escalation events with subsequent access to platform firmware components
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable audit logging for all root and administrator sessions on DGX Spark hosts
- Track firmware version and integrity attestation values, alerting on any change outside a controlled patch window
- Forward host telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for retention and correlation across the fleet
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24262
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the firmware update published by NVIDIA for DGX Spark as documented in advisory 5867
- Restrict local administrative access on DGX Spark systems to a minimal, auditable set of accounts
- Inventory DGX Spark deployments and confirm firmware version compliance across all hosts
Patch Information
NVIDIA has published details and remediation guidance in the product security repository. Administrators should follow the vendor's documented firmware update procedure and validate the installed version afterward. Additional record data is available on the NIST NVD entry and the CVE.org record.
Workarounds
- Enforce strict role-based access control on DGX Spark hosts to limit accounts that could reach the vulnerable firmware interface
- Require multi-factor authentication and just-in-time elevation for any administrative session on affected systems
- Isolate DGX Spark management networks from general user access to reduce the pool of accounts capable of local privileged interaction
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
