CVE-2016-7382 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
For the NVIDIA Quadro, NVS, GeForce, and Tesla products, NVIDIA GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys for Windows or nvidia.ko for Linux) handler where a missing permissions check may allow users to gain access to arbitrary physical memory, leading to an escalation of privileges.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7382 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within NVIDIA's GPU display drivers affecting multiple product lines including Quadro, NVS, GeForce, and Tesla series. This weakness exists in the kernel mode layer component of the graphics driver stack, specifically within the nvlddmkm.sys module on Windows systems and nvidia.ko module on Linux platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the kernel mode driver handler, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to bypass normal security boundaries and access physical memory addresses that should remain protected. This fundamental flaw in the driver architecture enables local attackers with standard user privileges to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, effectively undermining the core security model of modern operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the kernel mode driver's failure to properly validate access permissions when processing certain memory access requests. When legitimate user-space applications or malicious code attempts to interact with GPU memory through the driver interface, the kernel mode component should verify that the requesting process has appropriate authorization to access the specified physical memory addresses. However, the missing permissions check allows unauthorized access to memory regions that contain sensitive system data, driver code, or other privileged resources. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and specifically relates to the improper enforcement of access permissions within kernel mode components.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7382 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to arbitrary physical memory locations, which may contain sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in memory. The escalation of privileges achieved through this flaw allows malicious actors to potentially install rootkits, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the operating system. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple NVIDIA product lines, amplifying its potential impact across various computing environments from consumer desktops running GeForce drivers to enterprise workstations utilizing Quadro or Tesla hardware. This broad scope makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on NVIDIA graphics solutions across their infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7382 primarily focus on immediate driver updates and system hardening measures. NVIDIA released patches addressing this vulnerability in subsequent driver updates, and system administrators should prioritize applying these security updates across all affected systems. Beyond patch management, organizations should implement additional security controls such as enabling kernel mode driver validation, restricting user privileges, and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation,' highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint detection and response capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and restricting access to kernel-mode driver interfaces to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.