CVE-2016-8814 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-2016-8814 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw manifests in the DxgDdiEscape handler which processes escape commands for DirectX graphics operations. The core issue stems from improper pointer validation within the kernel mode driver code where multiple pointers are dereferenced without adequate NULL checks. This fundamental programming error creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can manipulate the driver's execution flow through crafted escape sequences. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Drivers, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of NVIDIA graphics hardware in enterprise and consumer environments.
From a technical perspective, the flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses the use of null pointers in software implementations. The DxgDdiEscape handler receives input from user-mode applications through DirectX calls and processes these through kernel mode routines. When the driver fails to validate pointer inputs before dereferencing them, it creates opportunities for exploitation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service since improper pointer handling in kernel mode contexts can potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can craft malicious escape sequences that force the driver to access invalid memory locations, potentially leading to system crashes or more severe consequences including kernel memory corruption that might allow elevation of privileges from user mode to kernel mode execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8814 is significant across multiple threat scenarios. In its most common manifestation, the vulnerability enables denial of service attacks where legitimate users experience system instability or complete graphical subsystem failures. However, the potential for privilege escalation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where attackers might seek to elevate their privileges to gain administrative access to systems. The kernel mode nature of the flaw means that exploitation could result in complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or in targeted attack scenarios. Organizations running affected NVIDIA drivers face potential risks ranging from service disruption to full system takeover, making this vulnerability a critical concern for security teams managing Windows environments with NVIDIA graphics hardware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8814 should focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the latest NVIDIA GPU drivers which contain the necessary code modifications to properly validate pointers before dereferencing. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel mode exploit prevention mechanisms and monitoring for unusual DxgDdiEscape calls can provide additional defense layers. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1484 which addresses 'Domain Policy Modification' through kernel-level attacks. Organizations should also consider restricting user access to graphics APIs where possible and implementing application whitelisting to prevent exploitation through unauthorized graphics driver interactions. Regular security assessments of graphics driver installations and monitoring for unusual system behavior should be part of ongoing security operations to detect potential exploitation attempts.