CVE-2021-1096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the NVIDIA kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape, potentially leading to system crashes.

Understanding CVE-2021-1096

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver that could be exploited to cause a denial of service (DoS) attack.

What is CVE-2021-1096?

The CVE-2021-1096 vulnerability resides in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows due to improper handling of kernel mode layer operations, which could lead to system crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1096

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium with a CVSS base score of 5.5, primarily affecting system availability with low privileges required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1096

This section covers the specific technical details of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is caused by dereferencing a NULL pointer in the NVIDIA kernel mode layer handler for DxgkDdiEscape, leading to potential system crashes.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers with low privileges, significantly impacting system availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-1096, immediate action and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to monitor NVIDIA's security advisories closely and apply relevant patches and updates as soon as they are available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security policy, ensuring timely driver updates, and maintaining system integrity are crucial for long-term mitigation of vulnerabilities. Patching and updating systems regularly helps in preventing potential security breaches related to such vulnerabilities.