CVE-2026-40573

What it is

NovumOS is a custom 32-bit operating system written in Zig and x86 Assembly. Prior to version 0.25-beta.1, the `Nova` interpreter runs in Ring 0 with unrestricted kernel-memory access. Loading a malicious `.nv` script through the shell permits a local user to execute code with kernel privileges without security checks. The advisory identifies VM initialization in `zig/nova/vm.zig` as the affected component; script execution is not isolated in a restricted Ring 3 privilege domain. This issue is fixed in version 0.25-beta.1.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-10-30 21:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-11-05 03:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-10-30 21:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-11-05 03:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-250 · Unnecessary privileges

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.6

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High