CVE-2017-0324 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 for DxgkDdiEscape where the size of an input buffer is not validated, 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-2017-0324 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw specifically affects the DxgkDdiEscape handler function which processes escape commands sent from user mode applications to the graphics kernel driver. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation where the driver fails to properly verify the size of input buffers before processing them, creating a potential exploitation vector that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
This weakness represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which describes improper validation of an input buffer size. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the Display Driver Model (DDM) framework, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The DxgkDdiEscape function serves as a communication channel between user mode graphics applications and the kernel mode display driver, providing access to low-level graphics hardware operations that are typically restricted from user applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0324 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can leverage the kernel mode execution context to gain elevated privileges on the affected system. This represents a significant security risk as it allows adversaries to bypass standard user access controls and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised machine. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Drivers, making it widespread across multiple product releases and creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system-level access. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input parameters to the DxgkDdiEscape handler that trigger the buffer overflow condition, potentially allowing attackers to execute code with kernel privileges. The exploitation requires a local attacker with access to the system or a remote attacker who can execute code on the target machine through other means. The vulnerability's presence in the kernel mode driver component means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as kernel-level access provides unrestricted access to all system resources and memory.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0324 primarily involve immediate patching of affected NVIDIA drivers through official update channels. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators can consider implementing additional security controls such as driver signature enforcement and kernel-mode code integrity checks to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and monitoring for anomalous kernel-mode activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode code and demonstrates the critical need for rigorous security testing of low-level system components that handle user-provided data.