CVE-2019-5668 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 DxgkDdiSubmitCommandVirtual in which the application dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid, but is NULL, which may lead to denial of service or escalation of privileges.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5668 resides within the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw specifically affects the DxgkDdiSubmitCommandVirtual handler which operates within the kernel mode layer responsible for managing GPU command submission processes. The vulnerability manifests when the driver processes graphics commands submitted through the DirectX graphics kernel interface, creating a critical security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The issue stems from inadequate pointer validation within the kernel mode driver code, where the application assumes a pointer will contain valid memory references but encounters a NULL pointer instead. This fundamental error in memory management represents a classic security vulnerability pattern that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the kernel mode layer, which typically runs with the highest privilege levels on Windows systems, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities that could allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges. When the kernel mode driver encounters the NULL pointer dereference, the system may experience a crash or hang, resulting in denial of service conditions that disrupt normal GPU operations and potentially affect the entire system stability. However, the more severe implications arise from the potential for privilege escalation, where an attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This would enable complete system compromise, allowing adversaries to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects NVIDIA's Windows GPU drivers and is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where security boundaries are most critical. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel mode execution environment where attackers can leverage system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5668 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to address the underlying kernel mode vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the latest NVIDIA driver updates that contain patches specifically designed to address this pointer validation flaw. Microsoft security advisories and NVIDIA's own security bulletins should be monitored regularly to ensure timely deployment of fixes. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel mode code integrity checking and monitoring for suspicious kernel-level activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and pointer checking in kernel mode components, aligning with security best practices outlined in the CERT/CC secure coding standards. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as exploit protection policies and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated graphics drivers that may still be vulnerable to this class of attack. The incident underscores the critical need for robust security testing of kernel mode components and proper memory management practices in device drivers, as these components represent high-value targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent system compromise.