CVE-2021-1053 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2021
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape or IOCTL in which improper validation of a user pointer may lead to denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-1053 affects NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers across both Windows and Linux operating systems, representing a critical flaw within the kernel mode layer of the graphics driver stack. This issue resides in the nvlddmkm.sys component which serves as the primary interface between the graphics hardware and the operating system's kernel, making it a prime target for exploitation attempts that could compromise system stability and security. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the DxgkDdiEscape or IOCTL handler functionality, which governs communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode driver components.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of user pointers within the kernel mode handler for graphics escape commands, creating a potential avenue for malicious code to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which represents "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions that occur when code reads data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers or memory regions. The improper validation allows attackers to craft specially crafted user pointers that, when processed by the kernel mode handler, could trigger memory corruption or system crashes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems utilizing NVIDIA graphics hardware, particularly in enterprise environments where stability and continuous operation are paramount. The denial of service condition can manifest as system crashes, screen freezes, or complete system lockups that require manual intervention to restore normal operation. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to perform persistent denial of service attacks against target systems, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multiple systems might be affected simultaneously.
The exploitation of CVE-2021-1053 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and system exploitation. The vulnerability exists within the kernel mode driver layer, which means successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges and direct access to system resources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest NVIDIA driver updates, which contain patches addressing the pointer validation issues in the DxgkDdiEscape handler. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing runtime protection measures such as kernel mode permission controls and monitoring for unusual graphics driver activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how graphics drivers handle user input validation at the kernel level. This type of issue underscores the critical importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices within kernel mode components, as these areas represent the most privileged execution contexts in modern operating systems. Security teams should monitor for any additional related vulnerabilities in graphics driver stacks and implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems remain protected against similar kernel mode exploitation techniques.