CVE-2021-1053 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-1053, a vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux that could lead to denial of service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-1053

In this section, we will explore what CVE-2021-1053 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-1053?

CVE-2021-1053 is a vulnerability found in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux. It is related to improper validation of a user pointer in the kernel mode layer handler, leading to a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1053

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to exploit the driver's handler for DxgkDdiEscape or IOCTL, resulting in denial of service attacks that may disrupt the system's normal operation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1053

Let's delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-1053 to understand its vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper validation of user pointers in the kernel mode layer handler (nvlddmkm.sys) for DxgkDdiEscape or IOCTL in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux are affected by CVE-2021-1053, making a wide range of systems vulnerable to potential denial of service attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious inputs that trigger the improper validation of user pointers, leading to a successful denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to stay updated on patches provided by NVIDIA, implement security best practices, and monitor for any unusual system behavior that might indicate a denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security, users should regularly update their NVIDIA GPU Display Driver, follow secure coding practices, and conduct periodic security audits to detect and prevent vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

NVIDIA has released patches and updates to address CVE-2021-1053. It is crucial for users to promptly install these updates to mitigate the risk of potential denial of service attacks.