CVE-2016-8823 in GPU Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler for DxgDdiEscape where the size of an input buffer is not validated leading to a denial of service or possible escalation of privileges
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8823 resides within NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver implementations across all versions, specifically affecting the kernel mode layer handler for DxgDdiEscape function. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that operates at the intersection of graphics driver functionality and operating system kernel security boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's kernel component, where the size parameter of an input buffer is not properly verified before processing. This absence of proper buffer size validation creates a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate the driver's behavior. The affected component DxgDdiEscape serves as an interface for extended graphics driver functionality, making it a legitimate entry point for graphics-related operations that require kernel-level privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker provides an input buffer with an invalid or unexpected size parameter to the DxgDdiEscape handler. Without proper validation, the driver proceeds to process this malformed input, potentially leading to memory corruption issues within the kernel mode execution context. This condition can manifest in several ways including system crashes, blue screen errors, or in more severe scenarios where the vulnerability could be leveraged for privilege escalation. The kernel mode execution environment presents particularly dangerous implications since any compromise of this layer can result in complete system control by an attacker. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow condition aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of the length of input buffers, and represents a direct violation of the principle of input validation that is fundamental to secure programming practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8823 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges. This vulnerability affects systems running NVIDIA graphics drivers on Windows operating systems, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments where graphics processing is utilized. The attack vector typically involves malicious software or compromised applications that can invoke the DxgDdiEscape function with crafted parameters. In enterprise settings, this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack scenarios including targeted malware delivery, supply chain compromises, or through compromised applications that leverage graphics driver interfaces. The vulnerability's persistence across all versions of the driver indicates that organizations must maintain up-to-date patches to protect against exploitation attempts, as no version is immune to this particular flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8823 require immediate patch management implementation from NVIDIA to address the kernel mode buffer validation issue. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the latest NVIDIA GPU drivers that include fixes for this vulnerability, as these updates typically contain proper input validation mechanisms that prevent the exploitation scenario. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous graphics driver behavior or unusual DxgDdiEscape function calls that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability's nature aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of privilege escalation techniques through kernel exploits, making it a critical target for defensive measures. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce exposure by limiting access to graphics driver interfaces and preventing unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of NVIDIA driver versions to ensure that systems remain protected against this and similar kernel-level vulnerabilities that could provide attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to target systems.