CVE-2020-5992 in GeForce NOW
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
NVIDIA GeForce NOW application software on Windows, all versions prior to 2.0.25.119, contains a vulnerability in its open-source software dependency in which the OpenSSL library is vulnerable to binary planting attacks by a local user, which may lead to code execution or escalation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5992 affects the NVIDIA GeForce NOW application software on Windows platforms, specifically targeting versions prior to 2.0.25.119. This security flaw resides within the application's open-source software dependencies, where the OpenSSL library has been compromised by a binary planting attack vector that can be exploited by local users. The nature of this vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it provides potential attackers with pathways to execute arbitrary code or escalate their privileges within the affected system environment.
The technical flaw manifests through the OpenSSL library's susceptibility to binary planting attacks, which falls under the category of CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path. This weakness occurs when an application searches for libraries in directories that are not properly secured or validated, allowing malicious actors to place malicious binaries in the search path before legitimate ones. In the context of the GeForce NOW application, this vulnerability enables local users to manipulate the library loading process and potentially execute unauthorized code with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal user interaction and can be exploited through simple file placement in strategic directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass full privilege escalation scenarios that could compromise the entire system. When a local user successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain elevated privileges that may allow them to access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, or establish persistent backdoors. This risk is compounded by the fact that the GeForce NOW application typically runs with elevated permissions to function properly, making the potential attack surface even more significant. The vulnerability essentially creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5992 should focus on immediate software updates to version 2.0.25.119 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the OpenSSL dependency issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual file creation patterns in system directories. The implementation of strict library loading policies and secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future software releases, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that emphasize privilege escalation and binary planting. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions to restrict the execution of unauthorized binaries and maintain detailed logging of library loading activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.