CVE-2016-7391 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) handler for DxgDdiEscape ID 0x100010b where a missing array bounds check can allow a user to write to kernel memory, leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7391 represents a critical kernel-mode buffer overflow flaw within NVIDIA's Windows GPU display drivers affecting multiple product lines including Quadro, NVS, and GeForce series. This security weakness resides in the nvlddmkm.sys kernel mode driver component that handles DirectX graphics operations, specifically within the DxgDdiEscape function with ID 0x100010b. The flaw manifests as a missing array bounds check during kernel memory operations, creating an exploitable condition that allows unprivileged user-mode processes to potentially corrupt kernel memory space through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of input data within the kernel mode driver's escape function handler. When legitimate user applications invoke DirectX graphics operations through the DxgDdiEscape interface with ID 0x100010b, the kernel mode component fails to perform adequate bounds checking on array access operations. This deficiency creates a potential write-into-kernel-memory scenario where malicious input can cause buffer overflow conditions that may result in arbitrary code execution within kernel space. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129, which describes insufficient bounds checking for array data access, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in memory operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for Windows systems utilizing affected NVIDIA GPU drivers. The potential attack vectors include local privilege escalation scenarios where malicious user processes could leverage the buffer overflow to execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. Additionally, the flaw can enable denial of service conditions by corrupting critical kernel memory structures, leading to system crashes or unstable operation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these drivers are commonly installed on both desktop and enterprise systems, making the exploitation potential widespread across various computing environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits and defense evasion via memory corruption attacks. Attackers could potentially use this flaw to establish persistent kernel-level access, bypass security controls, and maintain long-term system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is further exacerbated by the fact that it affects multiple driver versions across different product lines, requiring comprehensive patch management across various NVIDIA GPU installations. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of updated drivers from NVIDIA that address the bounds checking deficiencies in the kernel mode component.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate driver updates to versions 342.00, 369.59, or 375.63 respectively for the affected R340, R367, and R375 driver series. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual kernel memory access patterns, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict potentially malicious DirectX operations, and maintaining regular system integrity checks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and highlights the necessity of rigorous security testing for device drivers that operate with elevated privileges in operating system environments.