CVE-2024-0121
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows allows an unprivileged user to trigger an out-of-bounds read in the user mode layer. Successful exploitation could lead to code execution, privilege escalation, denial of service, or information disclosure. All Windows systems with vulnerable NVIDIA GPU drivers are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NVIDIA GPU Display Driver
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise via privilege escalation to SYSTEM, enabling remote code execution, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain administrative privileges on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Limited to denial of service or information disclosure if proper isolation and least privilege are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local user access and knowledge of driver internals. No public exploit code available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check NVIDIA Security Bulletin for specific patched driver versions
Vendor Advisory: https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5586
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit NVIDIA Driver Downloads page. 2. Download latest driver for your GPU. 3. Run installer with administrative privileges. 4. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
windowsLimit local user accounts to trusted personnel only
Implement application whitelisting
windowsPrevent unauthorized applications from executing
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege - ensure users only have necessary permissions
- Monitor for suspicious driver-related activity and privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NVIDIA Control Panel → System Information → Driver Version and compare with patched versions in advisoryCheck Version:
nvidia-smi (if installed) or check NVIDIA Control PanelVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version matches or exceeds patched version listed in NVIDIA advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual driver access attempts
- Privilege escalation events
- Crash dumps from nvlddmkm.sys
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
EventID 4688 with process name containing NVIDIA or driver-related executables followed by privilege escalation events