CVE-2017-0323 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 a NULL pointer dereference caused by invalid user input may lead 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-2017-0323 represents a critical weakness in NVIDIA's Windows GPU display drivers that affects all versions of the software. This flaw exists within the kernel mode layer handler component of the graphics driver architecture, where the system fails to properly validate user input before processing it. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to craft specific inputs that trigger unexpected behavior in the driver's kernel components. When the driver encounters malformed or unexpected input data, it attempts to dereference a NULL pointer, leading to system instability and potential privilege escalation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the kernel mode driver code where user-supplied data flows directly into memory operations without adequate sanitization. This type of flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions. The vulnerability manifests when legitimate user applications or malicious code submit crafted inputs that cause the driver's kernel mode handler to execute code paths that assume certain memory locations contain valid data, but instead encounter NULL references. The lack of proper bounds checking and input validation creates a predictable execution flow that adversaries can exploit to trigger the NULL pointer dereference condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and availability. The potential for denial of service means that an attacker could repeatedly trigger the NULL pointer dereference to crash the graphics driver or even the entire operating system, resulting in system instability and forced reboots. More critically, the vulnerability provides potential privilege escalation opportunities that could allow attackers to elevate their access level from standard user to system-level privileges. This escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where attackers might exploit it to gain unauthorized administrative access to systems. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially affect entire network infrastructures where compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader attacks.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-0323 aligns with several techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain where initial access is gained through social engineering or other means, followed by exploitation of this kernel-level vulnerability to escalate privileges and establish persistent access. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel mode layer means that exploitation does not require elevated privileges initially, making it a valuable tool for attackers seeking to gain deeper system access. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their threat modeling exercises, particularly in environments where graphics-intensive applications are common and where attackers might attempt to exploit driver-level weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0323 primarily focus on patch management and system hardening approaches. The most effective solution involves applying the official NVIDIA driver updates that contain fixes for the NULL pointer dereference condition. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all systems. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of driver crashes or privilege escalation attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current driver versions and avoiding outdated graphics drivers that may contain unpatched security flaws. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should include verification of driver integrity and proper input validation mechanisms within graphics driver components.