Source: psirt@nvidia.com
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape, where an unprivileged regular user can cause exposure of sensitive information to an actor that is not explicitly authorized to have access to that information, which may lead to limited information disclosure.
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows is vulnerable to a sensitive information disclosure flaw. An unprivileged user can exploit a vulnerability in the DxgkDdiEscape handler within nvlddmkm.sys to leak potentially sensitive system information, potentially aiding in further attacks. This could lead to a compromise of the system's security posture and data confidentiality.
Step 1: Triggering the Vulnerability: An unprivileged user-mode process initiates a call to the DxgkDdiEscape function within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver (nvlddmkm.sys).
Step 2: Crafting the Malicious Request: The attacker crafts a specially crafted payload within the data passed to the DxgkDdiEscape function. This payload is designed to exploit the vulnerability.
Step 3: Driver Processing: The nvlddmkm.sys driver receives the malicious request and processes the user-supplied data.
Step 4: Information Disclosure: Due to the vulnerability (e.g., lack of bounds checking), the driver reads or copies sensitive information from kernel memory into a user-accessible buffer, or otherwise leaks information.
Step 5: Data Retrieval: The user-mode process retrieves the leaked information, which could include kernel addresses, driver configuration data, or other sensitive details.
The vulnerability resides within the nvlddmkm.sys driver, specifically in the kernel mode layer's handling of the DxgkDdiEscape function. The root cause is likely an improper validation or sanitization of input parameters passed to this function. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious request that triggers the driver to expose internal data structures or memory contents. The lack of proper bounds checking or access control mechanisms during the processing of the DxgkDdiEscape command allows an attacker to read memory regions they should not have access to, leading to information disclosure. This could involve leaking kernel addresses, driver configuration details, or other sensitive information that could be used to bypass security measures or craft more sophisticated exploits. The specific flaw is likely related to how the driver processes user-supplied data within the DxgkDdiEscape function, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds read or other memory corruption issues.
While no specific APTs are definitively linked to active exploitation of this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability (information disclosure) makes it attractive to various threat actors. It could be used as a stepping stone in a larger attack chain. The vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV catalog. However, the potential for exploitation by sophisticated actors is present, and it could be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve a higher level of system compromise.
Monitor system logs for unusual calls to DxgkDdiEscape from unprivileged processes, especially those with unusual parameters.
Analyze memory dumps for suspicious activity related to nvlddmkm.sys and the DxgkDdiEscape function.
Implement host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to monitor for changes to the NVIDIA driver files or suspicious process behavior.
Network monitoring for unusual traffic patterns associated with GPU driver interactions, although this is less likely to be a direct indicator.
Use file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to the nvlddmkm.sys driver.
Apply the latest NVIDIA GPU driver updates to patch the vulnerability. This is the primary and most effective remediation step.
Implement least privilege principles, restricting user access to system resources and minimizing the attack surface.
Regularly scan systems for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.
Monitor system logs for suspicious activity and investigate any potential security incidents.
Consider using a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) to detect and alert on malicious activity.