CVE-2017-6260 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer helper function where an incorrect calculation of string length may lead to denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6260 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, specifically within the kernel mode layer helper function. This flaw represents a classic buffer manipulation issue that can be exploited to cause system instability. The vulnerability manifests when the driver improperly calculates string length during kernel mode operations, creating a scenario where memory access boundaries are not correctly enforced. Such miscalculations in kernel mode components pose significant risks as they operate with elevated privileges and can directly impact system stability and availability. The affected driver component operates at the core of graphics processing functionality, making it a critical element in the Windows operating system's graphics stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel mode helper functions that process string operations. When processing user-supplied data or internal string manipulations, the driver fails to properly validate the boundaries of string length calculations, leading to potential buffer overflows or underflows in kernel memory spaces. This type of error falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and can be classified as a kernel-mode memory corruption vulnerability. The improper string length calculation creates a scenario where the driver may attempt to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially causing kernel crashes or system hangs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel mode layer where privilege escalation opportunities and system stability impacts are maximized.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a denial of service condition that can be triggered by malicious actors or accidental exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the kernel mode nature of the flaw means that system crashes, blue screen errors, and complete system hangs can occur. Attackers who can influence the string length calculations through controlled inputs may be able to repeatedly trigger the vulnerability, leading to persistent availability issues. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running affected NVIDIA GPU drivers and can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications, driver installations, or crafted graphics processing commands. The operational risk is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability operates at a low level within the system architecture, making detection and mitigation more challenging. System administrators must consider the potential for both intentional exploitation and accidental triggering through legitimate software interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6260 should focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, which address the kernel mode string length calculation errors. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the vendor-provided security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel mode components and highlights the need for thorough code review processes. System monitoring should include detection of unusual kernel crashes or graphics processing errors that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers and the need for regular security assessments of kernel mode components. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous string processing patterns within graphics drivers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows API and Frameworks.