CVE-2021-1051
NVIDIA Graphics Driver vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability (CVE-2021-1051) in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape. The vulnerability was disclosed on January 7, 2021, affecting NVIDIA GPU Display Driver versions prior to 461.09 for Windows systems. This vulnerability received a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.4, indicating high severity (NVIDIA Security).

Technical details

The vulnerability exists in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape where a local user can gain elevated privileges to modify display configuration data. The vulnerability has a CVSS vector of AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:H, indicating local access requirements with low attack complexity and no user interaction needed (NVIDIA Security).

Impact

If exploited, this vulnerability can result in denial of service of the display through unauthorized modification of display configuration data. The high severity score reflects the potential for significant system impact, particularly concerning the integrity and availability of the display system (NVIDIA Security).

Mitigation and workarounds

NVIDIA has released security updates to address this vulnerability. For Windows systems, users should upgrade to driver version 461.09 or later for R460 branch, 452.77 or later for R450 branch, and 392.63 or later for R390 branch. The updates are available through the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page (NVIDIA Security).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

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