CVE-2017-0347 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 a value passed from a user to the driver is not correctly validated and used as the index to an array, which may lead 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-2017-0347 represents a critical flaw in NVIDIA's Windows GPU display drivers that affects all versions of the software. This security weakness resides within the kernel mode layer of the driver component known as nvlddmkm.sys, specifically within the DxgkDdiEscape handler function. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize data received from user-mode applications before utilizing it as an array index. This fundamental flaw creates a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through improper parameter handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability places the system at risk due to the nature of kernel mode execution and the specific function where the flaw occurs. The DxgkDdiEscape handler processes escape sequences that allow user-mode applications to communicate with the kernel-mode driver component, making it a critical interface point for potential exploitation. When user-provided data is used directly as an array index without proper bounds checking, the system becomes susceptible to out-of-bounds memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition under CWE-129 and can be categorized as a privilege escalation vector when exploited correctly. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate memory access patterns through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal validation procedures.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0347 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain elevated system privileges, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. This capability represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with direct access to system resources and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU drivers, meaning that organizations with older driver installations face the highest risk of exploitation. The nature of the flaw makes it particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the attacker can bypass normal operating system security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective approach involves updating to the latest NVIDIA GPU driver versions that contain patches addressing the specific validation issue in the DxgkDdiEscape handler. Organizations should implement comprehensive driver update policies and regularly monitor for security advisories from NVIDIA. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to limit the execution of potentially malicious applications that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage kernel-mode flaws to gain elevated privileges. Security monitoring should focus on unusual kernel-mode activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and organizations should maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in graphics driver components.