NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape. This vulnerability allows the software to either fail to perform or incorrectly perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, which may lead to denial of service. The severity level of this vulnerability is medium, with a CVSS score of 5.5. The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can disrupt services relying on the GPU driver.
Risk to organizations includes service outages resulting from the denial of service condition that may be triggered by exploiting this vulnerability. It is crucial for organizations that utilize NVIDIA GPU drivers to assess their exposure to this vulnerability and take appropriate action. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability in the wild, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for future exploitation remains a concern, highlighting the importance of timely patching and monitoring of affected systems.
Organizations should take immediate action to mitigate this vulnerability by applying available patches and updates from NVIDIA. Regularly reviewing and updating security measures will help in maintaining a robust security posture against potential threats.
Vulnerability Details
The NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows, all versions, is vulnerable due to an issue in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape. The software does not adequately perform authorization checks, which can lead to denial of service. The vulnerability has a CVSS version 3.1 score of 5.5, classified as medium severity. The vulnerability was published on January 8, 2021, and its status has since been modified.
Affected product: NVIDIA GPU Driver. CWE classification: CWE-863 (Authorization Bypass).
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the failure to perform necessary authorization checks in the driver software. The attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to have local access to the system. The attack complexity is low, and the privileges required to exploit the vulnerability are also low, indicating that an attacker with basic access could trigger the vulnerability. No user interaction is required, which increases the risk of exploitation.
The impact of this vulnerability is significant, specifically affecting availability. If successfully exploited, it could result in a denial of service, making the system unavailable for legitimate users.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of this vulnerability poses a significant risk for organizations that rely on NVIDIA GPU drivers for their operations. The potential for denial of service attacks could disrupt business continuity, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. As the vulnerability is classified as medium severity, organizations should address it in their priority patch cycle to mitigate the risks associated with exploitation.
The blast radius of this vulnerability could affect all systems utilizing the vulnerable driver versions. Therefore, it is imperative for organizations to maintain up-to-date security measures and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate weaknesses promptly.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of the NVIDIA GPU Driver include all versions prior to 392.63, 427.11, 452.77, and 461.09. Organizations should ensure that their systems are updated to the latest versions of the driver to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching the NVIDIA GPU drivers to the latest available versions. Specific updates include versions 392.63 and later for those currently using vulnerable versions. For organizations unable to apply the patch immediately, implementing network controls and monitoring can help mitigate potential impacts.
For further details on patching and remediation strategies, organizations can refer to the comprehensive resources available on penetration testing to ensure their systems are secure.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for any unusual access patterns related to the NVIDIA GPU Driver. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected service disruptions or performance degradation should also be investigated. Additionally, implementing network signatures to detect unauthorized access attempts can enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the critical need for organizations to maintain vigilance over their software supply chain. The patterns observed with similar vulnerabilities indicate a trend towards exploiting driver software for unauthorized access and service disruption. Security teams should learn from this incident and incorporate rigorous testing and vulnerability management practices into their development lifecycle.
For organizations utilizing NVIDIA drivers, it is recommended to periodically review and enhance their security protocols. Additionally, engaging in ongoing penetration testing methodology will help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
In summary, this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the evolving threat landscape in software security. Organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and adjust their defenses accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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