CVE-2019-5146 in ATIDXX64.DLL
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in AMD ATIDXX64.DLL driver, version 26.20.13025.10004. A specially crafted pixel shader can cause a denial of service. An attacker can provide a specially crafted shader file to trigger this vulnerability. This vulnerability can be triggered from VMware guest, affecting VMware host.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-5146 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the AMD ATIDXX64.DLL graphics driver component, specifically affecting version 26.20.13025.10004. This issue resides in the Windows graphics subsystem and manifests as a memory access violation that occurs when processing malformed pixel shader data. The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read according to CWE-125, which occurs when a program reads memory beyond the bounds of a valid buffer, potentially leading to information disclosure, system instability, or denial of service conditions. The flaw exists at the intersection of graphics driver functionality and virtualization environments, making it particularly concerning for enterprise security infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires crafting a specially designed pixel shader that triggers the out-of-bounds memory read condition within the ATIDXX64.DLL driver module. When a malicious shader file is processed by the graphics driver, it causes the driver to access memory locations outside the intended buffer boundaries, leading to a system crash or denial of service condition. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation through driver-level exploitation, specifically targeting the graphics processing unit driver component. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered from within a VMware guest operating system, which means that an attacker with access to a virtual machine can potentially affect the host system through this driver-level flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5146 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates a potential attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation techniques within virtualized environments. When exploited from a VMware guest, the vulnerability can allow for arbitrary code execution or system compromise, depending on the specific implementation details of the graphics driver and the virtualization layer. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on virtualization technologies, as a single compromised guest VM could potentially be used to attack the host system or other VMs running on the same host. The vulnerability demonstrates the complex security implications of graphics driver components in virtualized environments, where driver-level flaws can cross traditional security boundaries between guest and host systems. Organizations using AMD graphics hardware in VMware environments face particular risk due to the potential for escalation from guest-level exploitation to host-level compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5146 should focus on immediate driver updates from AMD, which would address the specific out-of-bounds read condition in the ATIDXX64.DLL module. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths from guest VMs to host systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers, particularly in virtualized environments where the attack surface is expanded. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing runtime monitoring for suspicious graphics driver behavior and establish patch management procedures that prioritize driver updates for virtualization environments. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive security testing for graphics drivers in virtualized environments and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171 for protecting against advanced persistent threats targeting system drivers and virtualization components.