CVE-2017-0351 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
All versions of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where a NULL pointer dereference caused by invalid user input may lead to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0351 resides within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver kernel mode layer, representing a critical security flaw that affects all versions of the driver. This issue manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when the kernel mode handler processes invalid user input, creating a fundamental weakness in the system's security architecture. The vulnerability exists at the core of the graphics driver's kernel component, where user-space applications interact with kernel-space functions to manage GPU operations, making it particularly dangerous as it bridges the user and kernel execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel mode layer handler responsible for processing graphics commands and display operations. When malformed or malicious input reaches the kernel mode component, the system fails to properly validate the pointer references before attempting to dereference them, leading to a system crash or potential privilege escalation. This flaw aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations, where the absence of proper null checks creates exploitable pathways for attackers to manipulate system behavior. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation vectors as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0351 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard operating system security controls and access restrictions. This escalation capability transforms a simple denial of service into a critical security breach that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects systems running affected NVIDIA GPU drivers across multiple operating systems including Windows and Linux platforms, making it particularly widespread in enterprise environments where GPU acceleration is commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate driver updates from NVIDIA to address the kernel mode handler implementation flaws. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment and implement monitoring for suspicious system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting user privileges for GPU-related applications, implementing kernel protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization, and maintaining comprehensive system logging for detection of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel mode security validation and proper input sanitization in graphics driver implementations, as highlighted by industry best practices for secure coding and the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on kernel-level attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation scope while awaiting patch deployment.