CVE-2017-0346 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 DxgkDdiEscape where the size of an input buffer is not validated, leading to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0346 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer, specifically affecting the DxgkDdiEscape handler within the nvlddmkm.sys component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that impacts all versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU drivers, creating a persistent risk across multiple system deployments. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges or cause system instability through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical flaw manifests from inadequate input validation within the DxgkDdiEscape handler function, which is responsible for processing escape sequences used in graphics driver communications. When the driver receives input data through this interface, it fails to properly validate the size of the incoming buffer before processing the data. This absence of size validation creates a potential buffer over-read or over-write condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices or buffer sizes are not properly validated, leading to memory corruption scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the graphics driver to crash and restart, leading to system instability and denial of service for legitimate users. However, more concerning is the potential for privilege escalation, where an attacker with limited access could potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges within the system. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how kernel-level vulnerabilities can be weaponized to bypass system security controls.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-0346 requires an attacker to have some form of access to the system, typically through a user account or a sandboxed environment, as the vulnerability exists within the graphics driver's kernel mode component. The attack vector involves crafting malicious escape sequences that trigger the buffer validation failure, potentially causing the driver to process malformed data in a way that leads to system crashes or privilege escalation. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might have access to graphics-intensive applications or where the driver is exposed to untrusted input sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected NVIDIA GPU drivers, as the manufacturer has released updates to address the specific buffer validation issue. System administrators should implement comprehensive driver update policies and ensure that all Windows systems with NVIDIA graphics hardware are running the latest driver versions. Additionally, monitoring for unusual graphics driver behavior or system crashes can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and user access controls can further limit the potential impact by reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to systems with vulnerable drivers. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in kernel mode components and highlights the need for rigorous security testing of graphics drivers that operate at the system's most privileged levels.