CVE-2025-23359 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the NVIDIA Container Toolkit for Linux. This vulnerability is classified as a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) issue and occurs when the toolkit is used with its default configuration. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using a crafted container image that gains access to the host file system. The risk to organizations includes potential code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. Due to the severity of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The CVSS score for CVE-2025-23359 is 8.3, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is considered high, meaning that an attacker needs to have specific conditions to exploit this vulnerability. As such, the urgency for defenders to address this vulnerability is high, especially given its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
As of now, there are no known public exploits for this vulnerability, and it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database. However, the absence of known exploits does not diminish the risk that could arise from it, thus making it essential for organizations to remain vigilant.
Organizations utilizing NVIDIA technologies should take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-23359 by applying the latest patches and updates as they become available.
Vulnerability Details
The NVIDIA Container Toolkit for Linux contains a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerability when used with the default configuration, where a crafted container image could gain access to the host file system. A successful exploit may lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. This vulnerability is officially classified as CWE-367.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.3 based on the vector string 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H', indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, the attack complexity is high, and the attacker does not require any privileges. The user interaction is required for exploitation, and its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is all rated high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a flaw in the default configuration of the NVIDIA Container Toolkit, allowing crafted container images to bypass security checks. The attack vector is network-based, as an attacker could send malicious container images over the network to exploit the vulnerability. Given the high complexity of the attack, the attacker must have knowledge of the environment and the correct conditions to successfully exploit the vulnerability.
The privileges required for exploitation are none, and user interaction is required, which means that a user must inadvertently execute the malicious container image. If exploited, the vulnerability could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of services, and the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The blast radius of such an exploit could be significant, particularly in environments where the NVIDIA Container Toolkit is widely deployed.
Given the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation, organizations should take immediate action to prioritize remediation efforts, including patching affected systems and reviewing configurations to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include NVIDIA Container Toolkit versions prior to 1.17.4 and NVIDIA GPU Operator versions prior to 24.9.2. Organizations should ensure that they are using the latest versions to prevent exposure to this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should promptly apply patches and updates provided by NVIDIA to remediate the vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should review and modify their configurations to enhance security, such as disabling unnecessary features and restricting access to the host file system.
Additionally, organizations can benefit from conducting a thorough security assessment, including engaging in penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their systems.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for any unexpected access attempts to the host file system. Additionally, organizations should look for behavioral anomalies that might indicate a compromised container or unusual resource usage patterns.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-23359 lies in the growing complexity and interconnectivity of modern containerized environments. With the increasing reliance on container technology, this vulnerability highlights the critical need for robust security practices and configurations.
Security teams should take this opportunity to review their security posture and ensure that they are prepared to handle similar vulnerabilities in the future. For further reading on improving security practices, organizations can explore resources on vulnerability management programs and penetration testing methodologies to better prepare for future threats.
Furthermore, organizations should consider the importance of continuous security assessments and engaging with professional services to ensure their defenses remain strong against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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