CVE-2017-6259 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where an incorrect detection and recovery from an invalid state produced by specific user actions may lead to denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6259 resides within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver's kernel mode layer handler, representing a critical weakness in the graphics processing unit's operational framework. This flaw manifests when the system encounters specific user actions that trigger an invalid state condition, creating a scenario where the driver's error handling mechanisms fail to properly detect and recover from the problematic state. The issue falls under the broader category of kernel-mode driver vulnerabilities that can severely impact system stability and availability. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception in Kernel Mode Driver," indicating that the driver lacks proper exception handling for abnormal conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's T1068 technique for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1484.1 for "Valid Accounts" as it can potentially be leveraged to disrupt system operations and maintain persistent access through compromised graphics drivers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when legitimate user processes interact with the GPU driver in ways that cause the kernel mode component to enter an inconsistent or invalid state. The driver's recovery mechanisms, designed to handle normal error conditions, prove inadequate when faced with the specific sequence of actions that trigger this particular state. This failure in state management creates a condition where the graphics driver becomes unresponsive or enters a loop that prevents proper system operation. The kernel mode layer, which operates with the highest privilege levels and direct hardware access, becomes compromised, potentially allowing attackers to leverage this weakness to cause system-wide denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple system instability as it can affect the entire display subsystem, potentially rendering graphical user interfaces inaccessible and causing applications that depend on GPU acceleration to fail. This type of flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the driver's robustness and fault tolerance mechanisms.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-6259 are significant for enterprise and individual computing environments that rely on NVIDIA graphics hardware. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system denial of service, forcing users to reboot their systems and potentially losing unsaved work. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where users have elevated privileges or where automated systems depend on consistent GPU functionality. Organizations utilizing virtualization platforms, gaming environments, or professional graphics applications face heightened risk as these systems often require stable and reliable graphics processing capabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be triggered through normal user interactions with graphics-intensive applications, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. Security researchers have noted that such kernel-mode vulnerabilities often serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks, as they can be used to establish persistence or escalate privileges within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6259 focus on both immediate patching and operational hardening measures. The most effective solution involves applying the official NVIDIA driver updates that contain fixes for this specific vulnerability, which typically include enhanced state detection and recovery mechanisms within the kernel mode layer. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected systems, particularly those running enterprise workloads or serving critical functions. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict access controls to limit user interactions with graphics drivers, monitoring for unusual GPU driver behavior, and maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that implementing proper input validation and state management in kernel mode components aligns with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-144 and ISO/IEC 27001 security frameworks. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous driver behavior and provide real-time monitoring of kernel-mode activities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated graphics drivers, as this vulnerability represents a common target for attackers seeking to compromise system availability and stability.