CVE-2024-0143 identifies a security flaw in NVIDIA's nvJPEG2000 library version 0.8.0, specifically an out-of-bounds write vulnerability categorized under CWE-787. This vulnerability arises when the library processes a maliciously crafted JPEG2000 image file, leading to memory corruption through writing outside allocated bounds. Such memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to alter data integrity or execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected application. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.8, indicating medium severity. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), but the attack complexity is high (AC:H), meaning exploitation requires specific conditions or expertise. No privileges are required (PR:N), but user interaction is necessary (UI:R), such as opening or processing a malicious JPEG2000 file. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so the impact is limited to the vulnerable component. The impact affects integrity and availability (I:H, A:H) but not confidentiality. Currently, no public exploits or patches are available, and the vulnerability was published in February 2025. The nvJPEG2000 library is used in NVIDIA's GPU-accelerated image decoding pipelines, often integrated into broader software frameworks and applications that handle JPEG2000 images, which are common in medical imaging, satellite imagery, and professional graphics. This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to compromise systems that process untrusted JPEG2000 files, potentially leading to code execution or data tampering.

The vulnerability poses a risk of arbitrary code execution and data tampering, which can compromise the integrity and availability of affected systems. Organizations relying on NVIDIA's nvJPEG2000 library for image decoding, especially those processing untrusted JPEG2000 files from external sources, face potential exploitation risks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code, leading to system compromise, data corruption, or denial of service. This is particularly critical for industries like healthcare, geospatial analysis, and media production, where JPEG2000 images are prevalent. Although the attack complexity is high and user interaction is required, the widespread use of NVIDIA GPUs and associated software stacks means many systems could be exposed. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability remains a significant concern until patches are released and applied.

1. Monitor NVIDIA's official channels for security patches addressing CVE-2024-0143 and apply them promptly once available. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization to prevent processing of untrusted or suspicious JPEG2000 files. 3. Employ application-level sandboxing or containerization to isolate image processing components, limiting potential damage from exploitation. 4. Use runtime memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to hinder exploitation attempts. 5. Restrict user permissions and avoid running image processing applications with elevated privileges. 6. Conduct regular security audits and fuzz testing on image processing workflows to detect similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted image files and enforce policies to minimize user interaction with potentially malicious content. 8. Monitor network traffic and logs for anomalous activities related to JPEG2000 file handling.