CVE-2019-5690 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape in which the size of an input buffer is not validated, which may lead to denial of service or escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5690 resides within NVIDIA's Windows GPU Display Driver kernel mode component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This flaw specifically affects all versions of the NVIDIA Windows driver and represents a critical security weakness in the kernel mode layer that handles DirectX graphics kernel display interface escape operations. The vulnerability manifests in the DxgkDdiEscape handler where insufficient validation occurs on the size of input buffers, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. This issue falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions and improper input validation, which are commonly classified under CWE-129 and CWE-787 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious application or attacker submits a specially crafted input buffer to the DxgkDdiEscape function without proper size validation. The kernel mode driver fails to verify that the input buffer size matches expected parameters, allowing for potential memory corruption scenarios. When the driver processes this malformed input, it may attempt to read beyond allocated buffer boundaries or manipulate memory in unexpected ways. This flaw can potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation, allowing a low-privilege user or process to gain elevated system privileges, or alternatively cause a denial of service condition that crashes the graphics subsystem and potentially the entire operating system. The nature of kernel mode vulnerabilities like this one means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, as the attacker would be operating within the highest privilege level of the operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5690 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass serious privilege escalation capabilities that could be weaponized in advanced persistent threat campaigns. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to establish persistence within targeted systems, escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level access, and subsequently deploy additional malicious payloads or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running NVIDIA graphics hardware, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where graphics processing is common. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation of such kernel mode vulnerabilities often requires sophisticated techniques and may involve multiple steps to achieve full system compromise. This aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, where attackers leverage system-level vulnerabilities to maintain persistent access and avoid detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5690 primarily involve updating to the latest NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver versions that contain patches addressing the buffer validation issue in the DxgkDdiEscape handler. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems receive timely updates from NVIDIA. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel mode exploit protection, driver signature enforcement, and application whitelisting to reduce the attack surface. Monitoring for suspicious graphics kernel activity and implementing behavioral analysis tools can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and following the principle of least privilege to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider segmenting systems with graphics processing capabilities and implementing network-level controls to restrict communications that might be used for exploitation.