CVE-2021-1055 : What You Need to Know

NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows, all versions, contains a vulnerability that can lead to denial of service and information disclosure due to improper access control in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgkDdiEscape.

Understanding CVE-2021-1055

This section will cover what CVE-2021-1055 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-1055?

CVE-2021-1055 is a vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows, affecting all versions. It originates from improper access control in the kernel mode layer's handler for DxgkDdiEscape, potentially resulting in denial of service and information disclosure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1055

The vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver can be exploited to cause denial of service attacks and disclose sensitive information, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1055

This section will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control in the kernel mode layer's handler for DxgkDdiEscape in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows are impacted by CVE-2021-1055.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the improper access control issue in the driver's handler for DxgkDdiEscape, attackers can trigger denial of service and potentially access confidential data.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to take, as well as long-term security practices and the importance of timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply security patches provided by NVIDIA promptly to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-1055. It is crucial to keep systems up to date.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as network segmentation and access controls, can enhance overall system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for updates from NVIDIA and applying patches promptly can help prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-1055.