CVE-2019-5676 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display driver software for Windows (all versions) contains a vulnerability in which it incorrectly loads Windows system DLLs without validating the path or signature (also known as a binary planting or DLL preloading attack), leading to escalation of privileges through code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5676 represents a critical security flaw within NVIDIA's Windows GPU display driver software that affects all versions of the driver. This issue stems from improper handling of dynamic link library (DLL) loading mechanisms within the Windows operating system environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the driver software loads system DLLs without performing adequate validation of the file path or digital signature verification, establishing a binary planting vulnerability that can be exploited by adversaries.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-426, which describes the weakness of untrusted search path usage in software applications. The root cause lies in the driver's failure to implement proper DLL loading security measures, allowing attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories. When the NVIDIA driver attempts to load a required system DLL, it inadvertently loads the attacker-controlled version from a location higher in the search path, effectively enabling privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability exists because the driver does not enforce strict path validation or signature verification during the DLL loading process, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be silently executed with the privileges of the running driver process.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5676 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain system-level privileges and potentially establish persistent access to affected systems. Since the NVIDIA GPU drivers typically run with elevated privileges to manage hardware resources and graphics processing, successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish command and control channels without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges initially. The vulnerability affects all Windows versions where the NVIDIA drivers are installed, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these drivers are commonly deployed across multiple systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper DLL loading security practices and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately apply the latest NVIDIA driver updates that address this specific vulnerability, as the company released patches to correct the improper DLL loading behavior. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as enabling Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker policies to restrict which DLLs can be loaded by system processes. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for execution through Windows command and script interpreter, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and privilege management. Regular security audits should verify that no malicious DLL files exist in the search paths of critical system processes, and network monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.