CVE-2017-0322 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 where a value passed from a user to the driver is not correctly validated and used as the index to an array, leading to 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-2017-0322 represents a critical flaw within NVIDIA's Windows GPU display drivers that affects all versions of the software. This security issue resides within the kernel mode layer of the driver component known as nvlddmkm.sys, which operates with elevated privileges and handles graphics processing tasks at the system level. The flaw manifests when user-mode applications interact with the kernel-mode driver through improper validation of input parameters, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel mode driver handler. Specifically, a value supplied by user-mode processes is not properly validated before being used as an array index in kernel memory. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the driver fails to perform bounds checking on user-provided indices, allowing potentially malicious values to reference memory locations outside the intended array boundaries. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" which is classified as a weakness in the input validation mechanism of software systems. When exploited, this flaw can cause the kernel mode driver to access invalid memory locations, leading to system instability or complete system crashes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0322 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain elevated privileges within the Windows operating system, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level access. This presents a severe security risk as kernel-level access provides complete control over the system, enabling attackers to bypass security controls, install malicious software, modify system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the graphics driver component, which is essential for system operation and typically runs with high privileges. Attackers could leverage this flaw to compromise systems through various attack vectors including malicious graphics applications, compromised web browsers, or other user-mode processes that interact with the GPU driver.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0322 should prioritize immediate patching of affected NVIDIA drivers, as the vendor has released security updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous driver behavior or unexpected system crashes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers may attempt to execute malicious code through compromised graphics drivers. Additional defensive measures include restricting user access to graphics-intensive applications, implementing application whitelisting policies, and maintaining regular system updates to ensure all security patches are applied. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious kernel-mode activities and potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability, regular security assessments of graphics driver components and system configurations are essential to maintain operational security and prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.