CVE-2017-0311 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver R378 contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where improper access control may lead to denial of service or possible escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0311 resides within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver version R378, specifically within the kernel mode layer handler component. This flaw represents a critical access control weakness that manifests in the driver's ability to properly validate and enforce access permissions for kernel-level operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the display driver's kernel mode components, which are responsible for managing hardware-level graphics processing operations and system resource allocation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the kernel mode layer handler fails to properly authenticate or authorize access requests from user-mode applications or processes attempting to interact with protected kernel resources. This improper access control allows malicious actors to potentially bypass normal security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized access to critical system components. The flaw enables an attacker to manipulate kernel-level operations through crafted inputs or direct memory access attempts, creating pathways for both denial of service conditions and privilege escalation attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to systems running affected NVIDIA GPU drivers. The potential for denial of service means that adversaries could destabilize systems by triggering kernel-level crashes or resource exhaustion conditions that prevent normal system operation. More critically, the privilege escalation capability could allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise. This vulnerability affects systems where NVIDIA graphics drivers are installed and actively used, particularly impacting enterprise environments, gaming platforms, and workstation configurations that rely on GPU acceleration.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Systems running Windows operating systems with NVIDIA GeForce, Quadro, or Tesla GPU configurations are most vulnerable, particularly when the affected driver versions are installed without proper security updates or patches. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official NVIDIA driver updates and consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel patch protection mechanisms and system integrity monitoring solutions.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of patched NVIDIA GPU drivers that address the specific access control flaws in the kernel mode layer handler. System administrators should also implement least privilege principles for GPU access, monitor kernel-level activities for suspicious access patterns, and consider disabling unnecessary GPU functionality when not required for specific applications. Regular security assessments of graphics driver installations and continuous monitoring for unauthorized driver modifications should be part of comprehensive security operations to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.