CVE-2019-5689 in GeForce Experience
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA GeForce Experience, all versions prior to 3.20.1, contains a vulnerability in the Downloader component in which a user with local system access can craft input that may allow malicious files to be downloaded and saved. This behavior may lead to code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5689 affects NVIDIA GeForce Experience software versions prior to 3.20.1, specifically targeting the Downloader component within the application. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's file download functionality. The vulnerability exists in the way the Downloader component processes user-supplied data during the download operation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the download process. Security researchers have classified this issue as a privilege escalation vulnerability since it requires only local system access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Downloader component's failure to properly sanitize or validate file paths and download parameters provided by users. When a user initiates a download operation through GeForce Experience, the software processes various input parameters that define where and how files should be saved. The flaw allows an attacker with local system access to craft malicious input that could cause the downloader to save files to unintended locations or execute arbitrary code during the download process. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-73, the manipulation of file paths. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns found in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the malicious file execution could occur through command injection or file manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, encompassing multiple attack vectors that could compromise system integrity and availability. An attacker could leverage this flaw to install malicious software, potentially leading to persistent backdoors or additional compromise of the system. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability could occur when malicious files cause the download process to crash or corrupt system resources, while information disclosure risks arise from the potential to access sensitive files or system information through manipulated download operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local system access, meaning that any user with access to the system could potentially exploit this weakness, making it particularly concerning for multi-user environments or systems with shared access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5689 should focus on immediate software updates to version 3.20.1 or later, which contain patches addressing the input validation deficiencies in the Downloader component. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit local system access, particularly for users who do not require administrative privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect unusual download activities or file modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that additional security controls such as application whitelisting and mandatory access controls should be considered. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other software components, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural issues in software design that could affect other applications or system components.