CVE-2024-0132

NVIDIA Container Toolkit versions 1.16.1 and earlier contain a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition (CWE-367) that, with the default configuration, allows a specifically crafted container image to gain access to the host file system. The flaw is triggered when a vulnerable toolkit prepares GPU resources for a running container, so environments that execute attacker- or user-supplied images — such as multi-tenant AI platforms and shared GPU clusters — face the greatest risk, while deployments using CDI mode are explicitly not affected. A successful exploit can lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, data tampering, or denial of service on the host. Affected operators include those running the toolkit standalone and those deploying it through the NVIDIA GPU Operator. No confirmed in-the-wild exploitation is documented (not in CISA KEV), but headlines indicate researchers demonstrated working exploits, including one bypassing the initial patch, and EPSS assigns a 40.8% probability of exploitation within 30 days (99th percentile).

What to do: Upgrade NVIDIA Container Toolkit to a fixed release newer than 1.16.1 and update NVIDIA GPU Operator deployments so they bundle the fixed toolkit; because researchers demonstrated a bypass of the initial patch, confirm the latest vendor release is installed. Where feasible, switch the container runtime to CDI mode, which is not affected by this flaw, and restrict GPU hosts to running trusted images. Review hosts that have run untrusted or user-submitted images for signs of compromise.