CVE-2019-5683 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver (all versions) contains a vulnerability in the user mode video driver trace logger component. When an attacker has access to the system and creates a hard link, the software does not check for hard link attacks. This behavior may lead to code execution, denial of service, or escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5683 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver ecosystem, specifically targeting the user mode video driver trace logger component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that exploits the driver's insufficient validation mechanisms when processing hard link operations. The vulnerability affects all versions of the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of NVIDIA graphics solutions across enterprise and consumer environments. The root cause stems from the driver's failure to properly validate hard link attacks, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the user mode video driver trace logger subsystem where the software fails to perform adequate hard link validation checks. When an attacker with existing system access creates a hard link, the driver's trace logging functionality does not properly verify the legitimacy of the link operation. This validation gap allows for potential exploitation through techniques that manipulate the driver's trace logging behavior. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the graphics driver architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate driver operations while maintaining the appearance of normal system activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-16 - Configuration and CWE-691 - Insufficient Control Flow Protection, representing both configuration weaknesses and inadequate control flow management in the driver's operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5683 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential code execution capabilities and denial of service conditions. An attacker who has already gained system access can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the graphics driver, potentially elevating privileges to system level access. The denial of service aspect manifests through the driver's inability to properly handle malicious hard link operations, which could result in system crashes, driver failures, or complete system instability. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning given that it requires only minimal system access to be effective, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the company has released patches addressing the hard link validation issue. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit user privileges and prevent unauthorized hard link creation operations. The implementation of additional monitoring mechanisms around driver trace logging activities can help detect anomalous hard link operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for graphics driver components and regularly audit system configurations to ensure proper hard link handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, representing the attack paths through which an adversary could leverage the driver flaw to gain elevated system access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and hard link security in kernel-mode drivers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of driver components before deployment.