CVE-2025-33217 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in NVIDIA GeForce display drivers for Windows platforms. This vulnerability exists due to improper handling of memory objects that have been freed but are still accessed by the driver code, leading to undefined behavior. An attacker with low-level privileges on the affected system can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, potentially escalating their privileges to SYSTEM level. The vulnerability also enables data tampering, denial of service by crashing the driver or system, and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The affected driver versions include all releases prior to 591.59, which NVIDIA has presumably patched in that release. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector limited to local access and requiring low privileges but no user interaction. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the nature of the vulnerability makes it a significant risk in environments where local access can be gained or is shared among multiple users. The flaw is particularly critical in multi-user or shared environments such as corporate workstations or virtual desktop infrastructures where privilege escalation can lead to broader compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially in sectors heavily reliant on NVIDIA GPUs such as technology, media, entertainment, and scientific research. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, bypass security controls, and execute malicious code at the kernel level, potentially compromising entire systems. Data tampering and information disclosure could lead to intellectual property theft or leakage of sensitive corporate data. Denial of service conditions could disrupt critical operations, impacting business continuity. Organizations with shared or multi-user environments, including universities and research institutions, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or malware that gains initial foothold. Given the widespread use of NVIDIA GeForce drivers in Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of endpoints, increasing the attack surface.

The primary mitigation is to update NVIDIA GeForce drivers to version 591.59 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Organizations should implement strict patch management policies to ensure timely deployment of this update across all affected systems. Additionally, restricting local user privileges to the minimum necessary can reduce the risk of exploitation. Employing endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for unusual local activity or attempts to exploit kernel-level vulnerabilities is recommended. Network segmentation and limiting access to critical systems can help contain potential breaches. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or restricting access to GPU functionalities for non-essential users. Regularly auditing installed driver versions and maintaining an inventory of affected hardware will aid in risk assessment and remediation prioritization.