CVE-2016-8813 in GPU Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgDdiEscape where multiple pointers are used without checking for NULL, leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8813 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw manifests specifically within the DxgDdiEscape handler function, which serves as a critical interface between the graphics driver and the Windows Display Driver Model. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation where multiple pointers are accessed without proper NULL checking mechanisms, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. This issue affects all versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, making it a widespread concern across numerous system deployments. The root cause aligns with CWE-476 which identifies NULL pointer dereference as a fundamental security weakness that can lead to system instability or unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the DxgDdiEscape handler processes incoming escape commands from user mode applications. During normal operation, the handler should validate all pointer parameters before dereferencing them to ensure they point to valid memory locations. However, in this case, the code fails to perform these essential NULL checks, allowing an attacker to craft malicious escape commands that contain NULL pointers. When the kernel mode code attempts to access these invalid pointers, it results in immediate system crashes or unpredictable behavior. This vulnerability can be leveraged to achieve either denial of service by crashing the graphics subsystem or potentially escalate privileges to kernel level access, depending on the specific exploitation scenario and system configuration.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8813 extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a significant security risk for enterprise environments and individual users alike. A successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on the target system, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might have access to graphics applications that could be manipulated to send malicious escape commands. The denial of service aspect affects system availability and can be used as a persistent attack vector to disrupt operations. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability represents a privilege escalation technique that could be used to gain system-level control. Organizations running affected NVIDIA drivers face potential compromise of their entire computing infrastructure, especially in scenarios where graphics drivers are frequently updated or where users have elevated access rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8813 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, which address the NULL pointer dereference issues in the kernel mode handler. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the latest NVIDIA driver updates that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized applications from sending malicious escape commands to the graphics driver. Network segmentation and privilege separation can further reduce the attack surface by limiting the potential impact of exploitation. Monitoring for unusual system crashes or graphics-related errors can serve as an early detection mechanism for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of kernel mode security practices and proper input validation in driver code, aligning with industry best practices for secure software development and the principles outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing pointer-related security issues.