CVE-2017-0309 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where multiple integer overflows may cause improper memory allocation leading to a denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0309 resides within the kernel mode layer handler of NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers across all affected versions, representing a critical security flaw that compromises system integrity and availability. This issue manifests through integer overflow conditions that occur during memory allocation processes within the kernel mode component responsible for GPU display operations. The flaw operates at a fundamental level where the driver's kernel mode layer fails to properly validate integer values before performing memory allocation calculations, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation that can affect both system stability and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves multiple integer overflow scenarios within the kernel mode driver code that directly manipulate memory allocation parameters. When the driver processes graphics commands or display-related operations, it performs calculations that involve integer variables used for determining memory buffer sizes. These calculations fail to properly validate input values or detect overflow conditions, allowing attackers to manipulate these integer values through crafted graphics operations or display commands. The overflow conditions result in incorrect memory allocation sizes being passed to kernel memory management functions, which can lead to either insufficient memory allocation that causes system crashes or excessive allocation that can be exploited for privilege escalation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems utilizing NVIDIA GPU drivers, particularly in enterprise and server environments where display functionality is critical. The potential for denial of service means that legitimate users can be denied access to graphical interfaces or display services through simple exploitation techniques that trigger the integer overflow conditions. More concerning is the privilege escalation potential that arises when the malformed memory allocation leads to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The kernel mode nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as the attacker gains access to the most privileged execution environment where direct hardware access and system-level operations are possible.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions in software systems, and demonstrates the critical nature of proper input validation in kernel mode code. This flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1068 for privilege escalation and T1499 for denial of service, making it a significant target for both automated exploitation tools and targeted attacks. The nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly attractive to threat actors as it requires minimal specialized knowledge to exploit while providing substantial rewards in terms of system access and control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0309 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, which provide patched versions that properly validate integer values before memory allocation operations. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability affects all versions of the driver without distinction. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel mode exploit protection features, monitoring for suspicious graphics-related system calls, and applying principle of least privilege controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to systems that might be targeted through this vulnerability, particularly in environments where remote desktop or graphics-intensive applications are prevalent. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper code review processes for kernel mode components and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent integer overflow conditions in security-critical system components.