CVE-2017-9605: n/a vulnerability

CVE-2017-9605: The vmw_gb_surface_define_ioctl function (accessible via DRM_IOCTL_VMW_GB_SURFACE_CREATE) in drivers/gpu/dr...

The vmw_gb_surface_define_ioctl function (accessible via DRM_IOCTL_VMW_GB_SURFACE_CREATE) in drivers/gpu/drm/vmwgfx/vmwgfx_surface.c in the Linux kernel through 4.11.4 defines a backup_handle variable but does not give it an initial value. If one attempts to create a GB surface, with a previously allocated DMA buffer to be used as a backup buffer, the backup_handle variable does not get written to and is then later returned to user space, allowing local users to obtain sensitive information from uninitialized kernel memory via a crafted ioctl call.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdatedAug 5, 2024, 17:11 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2017-9605 is a Linux kernel information leak in the VMware graphics driver path. A local user could receive uninitialized kernel memory through a graphics ioctl. This is not a remote takeover issue, but it can expose sensitive data on affected Linux systems, especially shared or multi-user virtual desktops and servers. Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using the vmwgfx VMware graphics driver with kernels through 4.11.4 or affected downstream builds. Risk is higher where untrusted local users can access graphics/DRM interfaces inside VMware-based guests. Treat as a targeted local confidentiality risk. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, but prioritize shared VMware-based Linux systems where local users are not fully trusted. Mitigation focus: Apply vendor kernel updates that include the upstream vmwgfx fix.; Review Debian advisories DSA-3927 and DSA-3945 if using Debian-derived systems.; Check Linux vendor guidance for exact fixed package versions..

Prepared: Jun 13, 2026, 04:43 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record

Severity: Unknown
CVSS: Not scored
Known Exploited: No
Published: Jun 13, 2017, 19:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Official CVE source material

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.

0CVSS vectors

0Timeline events

0ADP providers

2Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/07678eca2cf9c9a18584e546c2b2a0d0c9a3150cCVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus

n/an/an/aListed

Weakness

CWE details

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