CVE-2017-6253 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape where the size of an input buffer is not validated which may lead to denial of service or potential escalation of privileges
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6253 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver component, specifically within the kernel mode layer represented by the nvlddmkm.sys module. This flaw manifests in the DxgkDdiEscape handler function where insufficient validation occurs regarding the size of input buffers passed to the system. The issue represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that occurs when the driver fails to properly validate the length of data structures provided by user-mode applications during graphics kernel operations. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which encompasses issues related to insufficient validation of the length of input buffers, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious software or an attacker submits a specially crafted input buffer to the DxgkDdiEscape handler with an invalid or excessively large size parameter. The kernel mode driver component processes this input without adequate bounds checking, potentially allowing memory corruption that could result in system instability or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability presents a dual threat potential as it can lead to either denial of service through system crashes or more critically, privilege escalation that could allow attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) architecture and represents a significant security risk to systems running affected NVIDIA GPU drivers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for enterprise environments where GPU acceleration is utilized for graphics rendering, video processing, or gaming applications. The potential for privilege escalation means that an attacker could gain SYSTEM-level access to compromised systems, enabling them to bypass standard user permissions and access sensitive data or system resources. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Drivers prior to the patch release that addressed this specific flaw. Systems utilizing NVIDIA graphics hardware in server environments, gaming platforms, or professional workstations would be particularly vulnerable, as these systems often run with elevated privileges and may be targets for sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6253 primarily focus on applying the official NVIDIA security patches that were released to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize updating their GPU drivers to the latest versions that contain the necessary fixes for the buffer validation issue in the DxgkDdiEscape handler. Additionally, implementing security controls such as kernel-mode exploit protection, driver signature enforcement, and monitoring for anomalous graphics kernel activity can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers as these components often operate with elevated privileges and represent critical attack surfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized graphics-related processes that might attempt to exploit this class of vulnerability, as outlined in the attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation.