CVE-2022-31606 in GPU Display Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2022
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape, where a failure to properly validate data might allow an attacker with basic user capabilities to cause an out-of-bounds access in kernel mode, which could lead to denial of service, information disclosure, escalation of privileges, or data tampering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31606 resides within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows operating system, specifically within the kernel mode layer component known as nvlddmkm.sys. This driver component is responsible for handling graphics processing unit operations at the kernel level, making it a critical element in the system's security architecture. The flaw manifests in the DxgkDdiEscape handler, which serves as an interface for executing escape commands that allow user-mode applications to communicate with the kernel-mode graphics driver. This particular handler operates under the assumption that all incoming data is properly formatted and validated, creating a potential attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the DxgkDdiEscape handler. When a user-mode application sends escape commands to the graphics driver through this interface, the kernel-mode component fails to properly validate the structure and content of the received data. This validation failure creates a condition where an attacker can craft specially formatted escape commands that exceed the bounds of allocated memory buffers or access unauthorized memory regions. The vulnerability specifically allows for out-of-bounds memory access within kernel mode, which represents a severe security flaw since kernel mode operations have unrestricted access to system resources and memory. This type of flaw directly maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length of input buffers, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions and encompasses several critical security risks that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality. An attacker with basic user privileges could potentially leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges to kernel level access, effectively bypassing standard operating system security mechanisms. The out-of-bounds memory access could also lead to information disclosure, where sensitive kernel memory contents might be read and exfiltrated to an attacker. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable data tampering operations, allowing malicious actors to modify critical system data or memory structures. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1005, which covers 'Data from Local System'. The potential for privilege escalation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain complete system control without requiring administrative credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31606 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the official NVIDIA driver updates that address this specific vulnerability within the kernel mode handler. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running in enterprise environments where GPU acceleration is utilized. Additionally, implementing runtime protection measures such as kernel mode permission checks and enhanced input validation can provide additional defense layers. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious graphics driver activity and implementing application whitelisting policies to limit which applications can interact with the graphics driver interface. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should include regular security assessments of kernel-mode components and implementation of micro-segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.