CVE-2016-7384 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
For the NVIDIA Quadro, NVS, and GeForce products, NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver R340 before 342.00, R367 before 369.59, and R375 before 375.63 contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) where unchecked input/output lengths in UVMLiteController Device IO Control handling may lead to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7384 affects NVIDIA graphics drivers across multiple product lines including Quadro, NVS, and GeForce series devices running Windows operating systems. This security flaw resides within the kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys which serves as the core driver interface between the graphics hardware and the operating system. The vulnerability specifically impacts driver versions prior to 342.00 for R340 series, 369.59 for R367 series, and 375.63 for R375 series, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit weaknesses in the device control handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the UVMLiteController Device IO Control handling mechanism where input/output parameter lengths are not properly validated or checked before processing. This unchecked input validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted input parameters could cause the driver to process data beyond expected boundaries, leading to memory corruption or resource exhaustion. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the driver fails to adequately verify the length and content of parameters passed through device control operations. This weakness in the kernel mode driver creates a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate the graphics subsystem at the kernel level.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could gain elevated privileges within the system, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level access. This represents a significant security risk as it could enable attackers to bypass standard operating system security controls, install malicious software, or modify critical system components. The potential for privilege escalation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where graphics drivers are frequently updated or where system administrators might not immediately apply security patches. The denial of service aspect could also be leveraged to create persistent availability issues that disrupt normal system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7384 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA to versions that address the unchecked input/output length validation issue. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running older driver versions that remain vulnerable. The recommended approach involves updating to NVIDIA driver versions 342.00 or later for R340 series, 369.59 or later for R367 series, and 375.63 or later for R375 series. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates, as the vulnerability exists in multiple driver releases that may be in use across different system configurations. Additionally, monitoring for unusual system behavior or resource consumption patterns could help detect potential exploitation attempts, though the most effective protection remains the application of the vendor-provided security patches that address the root cause of the vulnerability through proper input validation mechanisms.