CVE-2016-4960 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
For the NVIDIA Quadro, NVS, GeForce products, the NVIDIA NVStreamKMS.sys service component is improperly validating user-supplied data through its API entry points causing an elevation of privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4960 affects NVIDIA graphics driver components specifically targeting Quadro NVS and GeForce product lines through the NVStreamKMS.sys kernel driver service. This issue represents a critical elevation of privilege vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation within the driver's application programming interface entry points. The affected system components operate at kernel level within the Windows operating system environment, making them prime targets for malicious exploitation that could compromise the entire system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of user-supplied data within the NVStreamKMS.sys service component which serves as the kernel-mode driver for NVIDIA's streaming media capabilities. When user applications or processes interact with the driver through its API entry points, the service fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming parameters, creating opportunities for malicious input to bypass security checks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation" in software systems, and operates at the kernel level where unauthorized privilege escalation can result in complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege elevation to encompass potential full system compromise and persistent access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges within the kernel context, enabling them to bypass standard operating system security mechanisms, modify critical system files, install malicious software, and maintain persistent access to the compromised system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these graphics drivers are commonly installed on both desktop and workstation systems, with the potential for exploitation through various attack vectors including malicious software installation, drive-by downloads, or targeted attacks against vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4960 should prioritize immediate driver updates from NVIDIA to address the specific validation flaws within the NVStreamKMS.sys component. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include restricting user privileges to minimize potential impact, implementing kernel-mode driver signature enforcement, and monitoring for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" through kernel-level vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while maintaining awareness of the broader implications of kernel-mode vulnerabilities in graphics driver components that can affect enterprise security postures across multiple computing environments.