CVE-2022-28182 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 05/18/2022
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the DirectX11 user mode driver (nvwgf2um/x.dll), where an unauthorized attacker on the network can cause an out-of-bounds write through a specially crafted shader, which may lead to code execution to cause denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. The scope of the impact may extend to other components.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28182 resides within NVIDIA's GPU Display Driver for Windows operating systems, specifically affecting the DirectX11 user mode driver component known as nvwgf2um/x.dll. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that manifests through improper input validation within the graphics processing unit's rendering pipeline. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms when processing specially crafted shader code, creating a potential attack surface for malicious actors who can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems. The affected driver component operates at a privileged level within the Windows graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially be leveraged for system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the DirectX11 user mode driver processes malicious shader instructions. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. Attackers can craft specialized shader code that, when executed by the vulnerable driver, causes memory corruption beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The exploitation process typically involves submitting malformed shader programs through legitimate graphics APIs, which then get processed by the affected driver component. The nature of this vulnerability allows for multiple potential impacts including privilege escalation, where an attacker could elevate their privileges from standard user to system level, and denial of service scenarios where the system becomes unstable or unresponsive.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28182 extends beyond simple system crashes or service interruptions, as it represents a significant threat to overall system security and integrity. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can enable unauthorized code execution, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within affected systems. The scope of impact is particularly concerning as it may extend to other components within the NVIDIA driver ecosystem, meaning that exploitation of this single vulnerability could potentially affect multiple driver modules or system services. Additionally, the vulnerability's network-based nature means that attackers do not require physical access to target systems, making it a particularly attractive target for remote exploitation campaigns. The potential for information disclosure through this vulnerability could expose sensitive data stored within system memory or graphics processing contexts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment from NVIDIA, as the company has released updated driver versions addressing this specific flaw. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of malicious shader code by restricting which programs can run on target systems. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious graphics API calls and unusual shader processing patterns can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary graphics APIs or features that might be exploited, particularly in environments where the risk of compromise is high. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation vector means that standard user accounts should be protected through proper access controls and privilege management. Regular security assessments of graphics driver installations and system configurations should be conducted to ensure that all systems remain protected against this and similar vulnerabilities.