CVE-2022-31612 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 local user with basic capabilities can cause an out-of-bounds read, which may lead to a system crash or a leak of internal kernel information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-31612 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 managing graphics processing unit operations at the kernel level, making it a critical subsystem that requires robust security controls. The flaw manifests in the DxgkDdiEscape handler which processes escape sequences used for communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers. This particular handler is designed to process various graphics-related commands and control operations, but contains a critical boundary checking vulnerability that allows for improper memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the DxgkDdiEscape handler processes certain input parameters without adequate validation of array boundaries or buffer limits. This type of flaw typically arises when developers assume certain input constraints without implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms, allowing malicious or malformed input to traverse memory regions beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability specifically affects local users who possess basic system privileges, meaning that an attacker does not require elevated administrative rights to exploit this condition. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain system access through kernel-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it creates potential pathways for information disclosure and system compromise. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could cause system crashes through kernel memory corruption, leading to denial of service conditions that would disrupt normal computing operations. More critically, the out-of-bounds read could potentially leak internal kernel memory contents, including sensitive information such as memory addresses, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. This information disclosure aspect makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with insights into the kernel memory layout and internal system structures that could be used to craft more sophisticated exploits. The vulnerability affects all versions of NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers for Windows that include the affected kernel mode layer component, making it a widespread concern across various system configurations and deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-31612 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through NVIDIA's official driver updates, which address the boundary checking deficiencies in the DxgkDdiEscape handler. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for system crashes or unusual memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on kernel-mode driver activity and memory corruption events. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help reduce the attack surface by limiting local user access to graphics processing components and preventing lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Security teams should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in graphics drivers, as this type of kernel-level flaw often indicates potential for more complex attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue requires careful consideration of user access controls and the principle of least privilege to minimize potential impact from compromised user accounts.