CVE-2020-5981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver, all versions, contains a vulnerability in the DirectX11 user mode driver (nvwgf2um/x.dll), where a specially crafted shader can lead to denial of service or code execution.

Understanding CVE-2020-5981

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in NVIDIA GPU Display Driver that can be exploited for code execution or denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-5981?

The vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver allows a specially crafted shader to trigger an out-of-bounds access, potentially resulting in denial of service or code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5981

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5981

The technical details of the CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the DirectX11 user mode driver (nvwgf2um/x.dll) of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver, allowing a specially crafted shader to trigger an out-of-bounds access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NVIDIA GPU Display Driver
Vendor: NVIDIA
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by using a specially crafted shader to trigger the out-of-bounds access, potentially leading to denial of service or code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-5981, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by NVIDIA promptly.
Monitor NVIDIA's security advisories for updates and follow recommended actions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GPU drivers to the latest versions.
Implement strong security measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you regularly check for and apply updates released by NVIDIA to address security vulnerabilities.