CVE-2017-0342 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler where incorrect calculation may cause an invalid address access leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0342 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that affects all versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU driver suite, making it a widespread concern across numerous systems. The vulnerability manifests in the kernel mode handler where improper calculation logic leads to invalid memory address access patterns that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and calculation procedures within the kernel mode driver code. When processing certain driver operations, the nvlddmkm.sys component fails to properly validate input parameters or calculate memory addresses, resulting in access to invalid memory locations. This incorrect calculation can occur during various GPU operations including but not limited to memory allocation, buffer management, or interrupt handling within the display driver subsystem. The flaw essentially creates a scenario where legitimate driver operations can trigger memory access violations that are not properly handled by the kernel mode layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could leverage the invalid address access to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining SYSTEM level access to the affected system. The denial of service aspect occurs when the improper memory access causes the graphics driver to crash or become unresponsive, rendering the GPU functionality unavailable and potentially causing system instability. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited for both disruptive and malicious purposes.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions where programs access memory locations outside of their intended bounds. The flaw also relates to CWE-787, "Out-of-bounds Write," when the improper calculation leads to writing data beyond allocated memory regions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as it provides a mechanism for attackers to elevate their privileges within the operating system. Additionally, the kernel mode nature of the vulnerability places it in the realm of T1543, "Create or Modify System Process," as exploitation could involve manipulating driver processes to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0342 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective approach involves installing the latest NVIDIA GPU drivers from the official NVIDIA website, which contain patches specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement a comprehensive patch management process to ensure all systems receive the updated drivers promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual driver behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege minimization practices can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other system components.