CVE-2017-0348 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 a NULL pointer dereference 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-2017-0348 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This critical flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system stability and potentially escalate privileges. The issue affects all versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU display driver, making it a widespread concern across numerous systems that rely on NVIDIA graphics processing units for their computing operations. The kernel mode layer represents the most privileged execution environment within the operating system, making vulnerabilities in this component particularly dangerous as they can directly impact system integrity and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the kernel mode driver code where improper input validation or error handling allows a NULL pointer reference to be dereferenced during specific driver operations. When the driver encounters certain conditions during graphics processing or system interaction, it attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or validated, resulting in a null pointer dereference. This condition typically occurs during driver routine execution when processing graphics commands or system calls related to GPU memory management and display operations. The flaw does not require elevated privileges to trigger, as it can be exploited through normal user-level operations that cause the driver to enter the vulnerable code path.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0348 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. In a denial of service context, the NULL pointer dereference causes the graphics driver to crash, leading to system instability, display corruption, or complete system hangs that require manual intervention or reboot. However, the more concerning aspect is the potential for privilege escalation, where an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This capability allows adversaries to bypass normal security controls, install malicious software, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. The vulnerability affects both local and remote attack scenarios, as it can be triggered through various legitimate driver interfaces that applications and system components use to interact with GPU resources.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. The attack surface for this vulnerability is extensive given that NVIDIA graphics drivers are widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments, making the potential impact significant for organizations relying on Windows-based systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and error handling within kernel mode drivers, as even seemingly benign pointer operations can lead to severe security consequences. Security researchers have identified this flaw as particularly dangerous due to its potential for privilege escalation, which can result in complete system compromise. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately through NVIDIA's official driver updates, as the window for exploitation remains open for unpatched systems. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive driver security testing and code review processes to identify similar issues in other graphics and hardware drivers that may present analogous risks to system security and stability.