CVE-2017-0320 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where improper handling of values may cause a denial of service on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0320 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer, representing a critical weakness that affects all versions of the driver software. This flaw manifests in the improper handling of specific values within the kernel mode component, which governs low-level interactions between the graphics processing unit and the operating system. The kernel mode layer serves as a crucial bridge for graphics operations and system resource management, making any vulnerability in this area particularly dangerous for system stability and security. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and value handling, which can be categorized as CWE-248, indicating an exception handling weakness where the system fails to properly manage exceptional conditions. This weakness creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt system operations through carefully crafted inputs that trigger unexpected behavior in the kernel mode driver.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when the kernel mode layer receives input values that it cannot properly process or validate, leading to a system crash or denial of service condition. The flaw specifically targets the driver's handling of values within its kernel mode components, where normal operations may cause the system to enter an unstable state or terminate critical processes. When the system encounters these malformed values, the kernel mode handler fails to properly manage the exceptional conditions, resulting in a complete system denial of service. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted graphics commands or memory references that exploit the value handling mechanism, causing the display driver to malfunction and potentially crash the entire operating system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, where any instability can lead to complete system compromise rather than just application-level failures.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0320 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the system's graphics processing infrastructure that can be exploited to achieve more severe consequences. Systems running affected NVIDIA GPU drivers become vulnerable to persistent denial of service attacks that can render graphics functionality completely inoperable, potentially affecting both user experience and system stability. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1489 for System Shutdown/Reboot, as the exploitation can result in forced system restarts or complete system unresponsiveness. Organizations relying on NVIDIA graphics hardware for critical operations face significant risks, as the vulnerability can be exploited to disrupt business processes, particularly in environments where graphics processing is essential for operations such as CAD applications, video rendering, or virtual desktop infrastructure. The potential for remote exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network access may be granted to untrusted users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0320 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent driver releases. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems receive the latest driver versions that contain the necessary fixes for the kernel mode value handling flaw. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential attack surface by restricting access to systems with vulnerable drivers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper exception handling in kernel mode code, as recommended by security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous graphics driver behavior or unusual system restart patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated NVIDIA drivers, as this vulnerability represents a common target for attackers seeking to compromise system stability and availability. The remediation process should also include verification that the updated drivers properly handle all expected value ranges and edge cases to prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.