CVE-2018-6261 in GeForce Experience
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA GeForce Experience prior to 3.15 contains a vulnerability when GameStream is enabled which sets incorrect permissions on a file, which may to code execution, denial of service, or escalation of privileges by users with system access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6261 affects NVIDIA GeForce Experience software versions prior to 3.15, specifically when the GameStream feature is enabled. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper file permission settings within the software's implementation. The vulnerability resides in the way GeForce Experience handles file access controls when GameStream functionality is active, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors with system-level access. The flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions within the affected system environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. When GameStream is enabled, the software fails to properly configure file access permissions, creating a scenario where unauthorized code execution becomes possible. The flaw operates at the system level where file system permissions are incorrectly set, potentially allowing local users with system access to escalate their privileges or execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that could be exploited through various attack vectors including local privilege escalation or code injection techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6261 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access protected user data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where multiple users share the same system or where privilege escalation attacks are possible. Organizations running affected versions of GeForce Experience face significant risk of system compromise, especially in enterprise environments where gaming and multimedia applications are prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to version 3.15 or later, which addresses the improper file permission settings that create the security gap. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces, particularly in environments where multiple users or untrusted parties have access to systems running GeForce Experience. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, underscores the importance of maintaining secure system configurations and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar permission-related issues across the organization's computing infrastructure.