CVE-2017-0308 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape where untrusted input is used for buffer size calculation leading to denial of service or escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0308 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer, specifically within the nvlddmkm.sys component that handles DirectX graphics kernel operations. This flaw manifests in the DxgkDdiEscape function which processes escape commands from user mode applications. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of untrusted input parameters that are directly used in buffer size calculations without adequate bounds checking or sanitization. The affected driver component operates at the highest privilege level within the Windows graphics subsystem, making it a critical attack surface for both privilege escalation and denial of service exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the buffer size calculation logic through crafted input parameters passed to the DxgkDdiEscape handler. When the kernel mode driver processes these malformed inputs, it can lead to integer overflow conditions or invalid memory access patterns that cause system instability or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel mode driver's handling of graphics escape sequences, which are used to communicate between user mode graphics applications and the kernel mode display driver. This particular function serves as a gateway for various graphics-related operations including hardware configuration and driver state management, making it a prime target for exploitation. The flaw can be exploited by malicious applications or malware that can execute code in kernel mode, potentially allowing full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0308 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include potential privilege escalation to SYSTEM level access, which represents a severe security risk for enterprise environments. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to bypass Windows security mechanisms and gain unrestricted access to the target system. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Drivers, meaning that any system running affected drivers is potentially vulnerable regardless of the specific driver version. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with large deployments of NVIDIA graphics hardware, as the attack surface is extensive and exploitation can occur through various attack vectors including malicious software installation or web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate installation of NVIDIA's security patches and driver updates that address the buffer size calculation flaw in the kernel mode driver component. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected systems, particularly those running in enterprise environments or handling sensitive data. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted graphics-related applications, enabling Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies to prevent unauthorized driver loading, and monitoring for suspicious graphics kernel activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement potential and establish robust incident response procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.