CVE-2017-0318 in Linux GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA Linux GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where improper validation of an input parameter may cause a denial of service on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0318 resides within the NVIDIA Linux GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer handler, representing a critical flaw that affects all versions of the driver. This issue manifests as an improper validation of input parameters within the kernel space, creating a potential vector for system disruption. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel mode layer which serves as the interface between user space applications and the kernel space components of the graphics driver, making it a prime target for exploitation attempts that could compromise system stability and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the kernel mode layer handler responsible for processing GPU-related commands and operations. When malicious or malformed input parameters are passed to the kernel mode layer, the driver fails to properly validate these inputs before processing them, leading to potential system crashes or denial of service conditions. This flaw operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation and system instability can occur without proper boundary checks, as the driver does not adequately sanitize or verify the legitimacy of incoming parameter values. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness, and represents a classic example of a buffer over-read or invalid memory access condition that can be exploited to cause system-wide disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0318 extends beyond simple denial of service, potentially affecting critical system operations that depend on GPU functionality. Systems utilizing NVIDIA graphics drivers across enterprise environments, workstation deployments, and server configurations may experience complete system unresponsiveness or crashes when the vulnerable kernel mode layer handler encounters malformed input parameters. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where GPU acceleration is heavily utilized, such as data centers, scientific computing clusters, and graphics-intensive applications, where system availability and stability are paramount. The denial of service condition can persist until system reboot or driver reload, creating significant operational disruption and potential business impact. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network disruption through denial of service attacks, though in this case the attack vector operates through kernel space manipulation rather than network protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0318 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the vendor has released patches addressing the improper input validation in the kernel mode layer handler. Organizations should prioritize deployment of updated drivers that include proper parameter validation mechanisms and input sanitization routines. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous GPU-related kernel activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing kernel module signing and secure boot configurations can help prevent unauthorized driver modifications that might exacerbate the vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel space input validation practices and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel mode components, particularly those handling user-space input data. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated graphics drivers, as this vulnerability represents a persistent risk in environments where driver updates are not regularly applied.