CVE-2017-0344 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 for DxgDdiEscape may allow users to gain access to arbitrary physical memory, leading to escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0344 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within NVIDIA's Windows GPU display drivers, specifically affecting the kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This vulnerability resides within the DxgDdiEscape handler, which serves as a critical interface between the graphics driver and the Windows Display Driver Model. The flaw enables authenticated users to exploit a weakness in the kernel mode driver's input validation mechanisms, potentially allowing them to access arbitrary physical memory addresses through improper handling of escape sequences. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of kernel-mode privilege escalation, where user-level processes can manipulate driver functions to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the DxgDdiEscape handler function. When a user application invokes this driver interface, the kernel mode component fails to properly validate the memory addresses and parameters passed to it, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary memory access. Attackers can leverage this by crafting specially formatted escape sequences that bypass normal access controls and directly manipulate physical memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, where the privilege separation between user mode and kernel mode is typically enforced. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a classic case of improper input validation that can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0344 extends far beyond simple memory access, as successful exploitation can result in full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to physical memory, potentially allowing them to read sensitive kernel data, modify critical system structures, or even inject malicious code directly into the kernel space. This capability enables attackers to bypass Windows kernel protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and exploit protection features. The vulnerability can be exploited by any authenticated user on the system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or when combined with other attack vectors. The impact aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and also relates to CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds writes, as the memory access violations can lead to both read and write operations in unauthorized memory regions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to achieve persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0344 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the vulnerability was addressed through proper input validation and memory access controls in subsequent driver releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive the latest NVIDIA driver updates, particularly those containing fixes for kernel-mode privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel mode permission restrictions, monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns, and maintaining up-to-date endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous driver behavior. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel mode components and emphasizes the need for thorough security testing of device drivers, particularly those handling user-supplied input through kernel interfaces. Network segmentation and user access controls can provide additional layers of defense, though they cannot fully compensate for the kernel-level privilege escalation capability that this vulnerability provides.