CVE-2017-6271 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer handler for DxgkDdiCreateAllocation where untrusted user input is used as a divisor without validation while processing block linear information which may lead to a potential divide by zero and denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6271 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, specifically within the kernel mode layer handler known as DxgkDdiCreateAllocation. This flaw represents a critical security issue that manifests when untrusted user input is utilized as a divisor during the processing of block linear information without proper validation mechanisms. The affected component operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially compromise the entire system's stability and security posture. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, which is classified as CWE-20 by the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing issues where input validation is insufficient or completely absent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the driver processes block linear information, a graphics memory management technique commonly used in GPU operations. During this processing, the driver receives user-supplied data that is intended to serve as a divisor value in mathematical operations. However, the absence of validation checks means that malicious or malformed input can be passed directly to the division operation. When this unvalidated input equals zero, the system encounters a divide by zero error, which typically results in a system crash or kernel panic. This behavior constitutes a denial of service condition that can be reliably triggered by an attacker, effectively rendering the graphics functionality of the affected system unusable and potentially causing complete system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6271 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and denial of service tactics. The kernel mode execution context means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Drivers that implement the DxgkDdiCreateAllocation handler, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be simultaneously vulnerable. The nature of the flaw suggests that it could be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious graphics applications, compromised software installations, or even through drive-by downloads that trigger the vulnerable code path.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6271 primarily focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, which address the validation gap in the kernel mode handler. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected systems and verify that the updated drivers properly implement input validation checks before accepting user-supplied values as divisors. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted graphics applications, monitoring system logs for unusual kernel mode activity, and configuring security solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel mode components, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards that emphasize the need for robust validation mechanisms in privileged code paths. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts that might leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or cause broader system disruption.