CVE-2021-1091 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NVIDIA GPU Display driver for Windows is affected by a vulnerability where an unprivileged user can exploit file hard links to overwrite files requiring elevated privileges. This could result in data loss or denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2021-1091

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-1091 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-1091?

The vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows allows an unprivileged user to create a file hard link, leading to the driver overwriting files that require elevated privileges, potentially causing data loss or denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1091

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high severity, with a CVSS base score of 7.1. It can result in data loss or denial of service on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1091

This section provides technical insights into the CVE-2021-1091 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables an unprivileged user to manipulate file hard links to force the driver to overwrite critical system files, leading to potential data loss or denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By creating specific file hard links, an attacker with minimal access can exploit this vulnerability, compromising system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-1091.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their NVIDIA GPU Display Driver to the patched version to prevent exploitation. Additionally, restrict access to sensitive system files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GPU drivers and implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from NVIDIA and apply patches promptly to safeguard systems.