Source: psirt@nvidia.com
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability where a regular user can cause an out-of-bounds read, which may lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, or data tampering.
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds read that could allow a regular user to achieve remote code execution (RCE), denial of service (DoS), privilege escalation, and data tampering. This critical vulnerability could be exploited to compromise systems running affected NVIDIA drivers, potentially leading to complete system takeover.
Step 1: Trigger Preparation: The attacker crafts a malicious input, likely a specially crafted graphics command or data structure, designed to exploit the out-of-bounds read vulnerability within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver. This input is designed to specify an invalid memory address or offset to be read from.
Step 2: Input Delivery: The attacker submits the crafted input to the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver. This could be achieved through various means, such as a malicious application, a compromised website utilizing WebGL, or a crafted video file.
Step 3: Vulnerability Trigger: The NVIDIA GPU Display Driver processes the malicious input. Due to the lack of proper bounds checking, the driver attempts to read data from an invalid memory location, leading to the out-of-bounds read.
Step 4: Information Disclosure/DoS/RCE: Depending on the specific memory location accessed, the attacker can achieve different outcomes. Reading sensitive kernel memory can lead to information disclosure. Reading beyond the allocated memory can cause a system crash (DoS). If the attacker can control the data read and its interpretation, they may be able to overwrite critical data structures or code, leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges (RCE).
The vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds read within the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver. The driver, when processing certain graphics operations, fails to properly validate the bounds of memory access. Specifically, a crafted input can cause the driver to read beyond the allocated memory buffer. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information, crash the system (DoS), or, more critically, allow an attacker to overwrite critical data structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The root cause likely lies in insufficient input validation or incorrect pointer arithmetic within a specific driver function responsible for handling graphics commands or memory allocation related to display operations. The lack of proper bounds checking allows the attacker to control the read offset, enabling them to read sensitive kernel memory or overwrite critical data.
Attribution is difficult, but this vulnerability is attractive to a wide range of threat actors. Given the potential for RCE and privilege escalation, it's likely to be targeted by both financially motivated and state-sponsored actors. CISA KEV status is highly probable given the severity and potential impact.
Monitor system logs for unexpected driver crashes or errors related to the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver (nvlddmkm.sys).
Analyze memory dumps for evidence of out-of-bounds reads or memory corruption within the driver.
Implement host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) to monitor for suspicious process behavior, such as unexpected memory access patterns or the execution of malicious code within the driver.
Network traffic analysis: Monitor for unusual network activity originating from systems with NVIDIA GPUs, especially if the activity coincides with driver-related events.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions can be configured to detect and alert on suspicious driver behavior, such as attempts to access restricted memory regions or execute malicious code.
Immediately update the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver to a patched version. This is the primary and most effective remediation step.
Implement a defense-in-depth strategy, including regular security audits, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing.
Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary to perform their tasks. This limits the potential impact of a successful exploit.
Enable kernel-mode code signing enforcement to prevent the loading of unsigned or malicious drivers.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for suspicious activity related to the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver.
Consider using a host intrusion prevention system (HIPS) to monitor and block suspicious driver behavior.