CVE-2019-5666 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-5666, a vulnerability in the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver that could lead to denial of service or privilege escalation. Find mitigation steps and patching advice here.
A vulnerability has been identified in the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver that could potentially lead to denial of service or privilege escalation.
Understanding CVE-2019-5666
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer of the NVIDIA GPU Graphics Driver for Windows.
What is CVE-2019-5666?
The vulnerability exists in the create context command DDI DxgkDdiCreateContext, where untrusted input is used to calculate or utilize an array index without proper validation, potentially leading to denial of service or privilege escalation.
The Impact of CVE-2019-5666
The vulnerability could allow attackers to exploit unvalidated array indexes, resulting in denial of service attacks or potentially escalating privileges on affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5666
This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver arises from the improper validation of array indexes, specifically in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) create context command DDI DxgkDdiCreateContext.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: NVIDIA GPU Graphics Driver
- Vendor: Nvidia Corporation
- Versions: All versions are affected
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing untrusted input to manipulate array indexes, potentially leading to denial of service or privilege escalation.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-5666 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Nvidia promptly.
- Monitor vendor updates and security advisories for mitigation guidance.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update GPU drivers to the latest versions.
- Implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on safe computing practices to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Patching and Updates
- Nvidia has released patches to address the vulnerability; ensure timely installation of these updates to secure systems.