CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-33181NVD status: Analyzed

Cumulus Linux GA: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-33181 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Cumulus Linux GA from NVIDIA, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Cumulus Linux to 5.14.0 or 5.9.4 or 5.11.4, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on nvidia.custhelp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
NVIDIACumulus Linux GANot specified in the recordNot stated
NVIDIACumulus Linux LTSAll versions prior to 5.11.4; All versions prior to 5.9.4Not stated
NVIDIANVOSAll versions prior to 1.3 - 25.02.244; All versions prior to 25.02.4282; All versions prior to 25.02.5030Not stated
NVIDIACumulus Linuxbefore 5.14.0; 5.9.0 up to, but not including, 5.9.4; 5.11.0 up to, but not including, 5.11.45.14.0, 5.9.4, 5.11.4

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.3HighCNA (nvidia.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

Official description

NVIDIA Cumulus Linux and NVOS products contain a vulnerability in the NVUE interface, where a low-privileged user could inject a command. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to escalation of privileges.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in Cumulus Linux GA

All Cumulus Linux GA vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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