CVE-2017-6277 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 a value passed from a user to the driver is not correctly validated and used as the index to an array which may lead to denial of service or possible escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6277 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 which processes escape commands from user-mode applications to communicate with the kernel-mode graphics driver. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user-provided input values that are subsequently used as array indices, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129 which describes "Improper Validation of Array Index" and falls under the broader category of weak input validation that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption issues. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the kernel mode context where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a user-mode application sending a specially crafted escape command through the DirectX graphics kernel interface to the NVIDIA driver. When the DxgkDdiEscape handler processes this command, it accepts a value from user space without proper bounds checking or validation. This unvalidated value is then directly used as an array index to access kernel memory structures within the nvlddmkm.sys module. The lack of input sanitization means that an attacker can potentially provide an index value that exceeds the legitimate array boundaries, leading to memory access violations. This flaw can manifest in two primary ways: denial of service through system crashes or exploitation for privilege escalation by manipulating kernel memory structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the driver has elevated privileges and direct access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6277 extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable full system compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard operating system security controls. The attack vector requires a user to interact with a vulnerable application or system process, making it potentially exploitable through social engineering or by leveraging other initial access vectors. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the 'Windows File and Registry Rights' and 'System Service Permissions' tactics. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU drivers that implement the affected kernel mode handler, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments and individual users alike.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6277 should focus on immediate patching of affected NVIDIA driver versions, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent driver releases. System administrators should implement the latest NVIDIA GPU drivers and ensure proper update management procedures are in place to prevent exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious applications, monitoring for unusual kernel-mode activity, and employing kernel-mode exploit detection tools. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-mode drivers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and bounds checking in all system-level components. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in their graphics driver configurations and overall system architecture.