Overview
CVE-2025-58407 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting kernel or driver software installed on Guest Virtual Machines (VMs). This flaw allows a malicious guest VM to potentially escape its isolation by exploiting a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition within the GPU firmware interaction. Successfully exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized read and/or write operations outside the VM’s allocated memory space, effectively escaping the virtual machine environment.
Technical Details
The vulnerability arises from a race condition that occurs when a guest VM interacts with the host’s GPU firmware. The guest can send commands to the GPU firmware. If not properly validated the guest can send a command, then rapidly modify the associated data between the time the firmware checks the validity of the command (Time-of-Check) and the time it actually uses that data (Time-of-Use). This TOCTOU race condition enables the guest to send commands with seemingly valid parameters during the check phase, but then manipulate the data to point outside its assigned memory region before the GPU firmware executes the command. A successful attack results in arbitrary memory access within the host system’s memory space, leading to a complete VM escape.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) assigns CVE-2025-58407 a score of 7.4, indicating a High severity. This score reflects the potential impact of a successful exploit, which could compromise the entire host system. The vector string and specific metrics contributing to the score would depend on a more detailed CVSS assessment.
Note: While a full CVSS vector string isn’t provided in the prompt, typical high-severity VM escape vulnerabilities often have high scores in Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability impacts (CIA: HHH).
Possible Impact
Exploitation of CVE-2025-58407 can have severe consequences:
- VM Escape: The primary impact is escaping the confines of the virtual machine, allowing the guest to access and manipulate the host system’s resources.
- Host System Compromise: A successful escape can lead to complete compromise of the host system, including sensitive data theft, malware installation, and denial-of-service attacks.
- Lateral Movement: If the compromised host is part of a larger network, attackers can use it as a stepping stone to move laterally and compromise other systems.
- Data Breach: Access to the host system grants access to potentially sensitive data stored or processed on the host, leading to a data breach.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-58407, the following steps are recommended:
- Apply Patches: Install the latest security patches released by the GPU vendor (e.g., Imagination Technologies) and virtualization software provider. These patches typically include fixes to address the TOCTOU race condition.
- Update Drivers: Ensure that the GPU drivers on both the host and guest VMs are up-to-date.
- Virtualization Software Updates: Keep the virtualization software (e.g., VMware, KVM, Hyper-V) updated to the latest version, as these updates often include security enhancements.
- GPU Isolation: Implement or strengthen GPU isolation techniques to limit the guest VM’s access to the GPU and its firmware.
- Monitoring and Intrusion Detection: Implement robust monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect suspicious activity related to GPU interaction and memory access.
Refer to the GPU vendor’s security advisories for specific patching instructions and recommendations.
