CVE-2017-6267 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler where an incorrect initialization of internal objects can cause an infinite loop which may lead to a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6267 resides within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver's kernel mode layer handler, representing a critical weakness that can be exploited to disrupt system operations. This flaw specifically manifests in the improper initialization of internal objects within the driver's kernel component, creating a condition where the system becomes trapped in an infinite loop scenario. The kernel mode layer serves as the foundational interface between the hardware and operating system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of the system architecture. The issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms during object initialization, allowing malformed or improperly configured data structures to trigger continuous processing cycles that consume system resources without resolution.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates through a classic denial of service vector where the kernel mode handler fails to properly validate or initialize internal data structures before entering operational loops. When the driver processes certain graphics commands or system calls, it attempts to initialize objects that should be properly configured before execution. However, due to missing validation checks or incorrect initialization sequences, these objects may enter a state where their processing routines continuously loop without proper termination conditions. This infinite loop behavior occurs at the kernel level where standard user-space protections and timeouts are ineffective, allowing the malicious or accidental triggering of this condition to consume all available CPU cycles and system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6267 extends beyond simple system unresponsiveness to potentially catastrophic system stability issues. When the infinite loop is triggered, it can cause complete system hangs where the operating system becomes unresponsive to user input and system commands. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers that implement the affected kernel mode layer handler, making it particularly widespread across various hardware configurations and operating system platforms. System administrators and users may experience complete loss of display functionality, inability to perform system tasks, and potential crashes that require forced system reboots to resolve. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where continuous system availability is critical for business operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-691, which specifically addresses insufficient control flow management in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1499.1, which involves the use of system resource exhaustion to cause denial of service conditions. Organizations should implement immediate patch management protocols to address this vulnerability through NVIDIA's official driver updates, as the fix typically involves correcting the object initialization routines and implementing proper validation checks. Additionally, system monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual CPU utilization patterns that may indicate the presence of this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful testing of driver updates to ensure compatibility with existing hardware configurations, and organizations should consider implementing automated patch deployment systems to maintain consistent protection against similar kernel-level vulnerabilities.