CVE-2020-5979 in Windows GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2020
NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the NVIDIA Control Panel component in which a user is presented with a dialog box for input by a high-privilege process, which may lead to escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5979 resides within NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver components, specifically affecting all versions of the driver software. This flaw manifests in the NVIDIA Control Panel functionality where a high-privilege process can trigger a dialog box that prompts user input, creating an unexpected privilege escalation vector. The vulnerability represents a critical security gap in the driver architecture that could be exploited by malicious actors to elevate their system privileges.
This vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the NVIDIA Control Panel component, which operates with elevated privileges to manage graphics settings and configurations. When a high-privilege process attempts to interact with the user interface through the dialog box mechanism, the system fails to properly validate the context and origin of the interaction. The flaw creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially manipulate the dialog box presentation to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows driver components.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-5979 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain elevated system access that could enable further malicious activities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the driver level where system-level privileges are already in play, making the potential attack surface significant. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through legitimate system processes, making detection more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5979 should focus on immediate driver updates from NVIDIA, as the vulnerability affects all versions of the Windows GPU Display Driver. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive the latest driver updates containing security fixes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing least privilege principles and monitoring for unusual dialog box behaviors or unexpected privilege escalation events. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in driver development and highlights the need for proper privilege validation mechanisms. Network segmentation and user access controls can provide additional layers of defense against potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to unusual system behavior that might suggest exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical relationship between driver security and overall system integrity, emphasizing that even minor components like control panels can represent significant security risks when not properly secured against privilege escalation attacks.