Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2012-0952 is a heap buffer overflow in the Linux Nvidia graphics driver control interface. A local, highly privileged attacker may be able to corrupt memory and cause limited confidentiality, integrity, or availability impact. The source states the issue was fixed in Nvidia graphics driver version 295.53.
Executive priority
Treat this as a moderate-priority legacy driver issue. It is not presented as remotely exploitable or actively exploited, but outdated graphics drivers on shared Linux systems should be corrected during normal vulnerability remediation cycles.
Technical view
The flaw is described as a heap buffer overflow in the device control ioctl for Nvidia graphics cards, allowing an overflow of 49 bytes. The CVSS vector indicates local access, high attack complexity, high privileges, no user interaction, changed scope, and low impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Linux systems running older Nvidia graphics drivers before 295.53. The affected version range is not specified in the source bundle, so teams should verify installed driver versions and distribution package history rather than assume broad exposure.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not report known active exploitation, and KEV is false. The CVSS vector indicates exploitation requires local access and high privileges, which lowers broad internet-facing risk but still matters on shared workstations, multi-user systems, and privileged desktop or compute environments.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to the CVE description, CVSS vector, and Launchpad reference. The affected versions are listed as unspecified, with a stated fix in 295.53. Avoid assuming exploit maturity, broader products, or alternate mitigations beyond vendor or distribution guidance.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade Nvidia graphics drivers to version 295.53 or later.
- Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixed packages.
- Prioritize shared or multi-user Linux systems with Nvidia drivers.
- Limit privileged local access where old drivers remain temporarily.
- Track vendor guidance if exact affected versions are unclear.
Validation and detection
- Inventory Linux hosts using Nvidia graphics drivers.
- Verify installed Nvidia driver versions against 295.53 or vendor-fixed builds.
- Confirm whether distribution packages include a backported fix.
- Review privileged local user access on systems retaining older drivers.
- Document exceptions where driver upgrades are blocked.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2012-0952 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 5 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L0.83.7Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
5MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/nvidia-graphics-drivers/+bug/979373CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.