CVE-2021-1077 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux, R450 and R460 driver branch, contains a vulnerability where the software uses a reference count to manage a resource that is incorrectly updated, which may lead to denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2021-1077

This section provides insights into the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2021-1077?

CVE-2021-1077 is a vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows and Linux, affecting versions in the R450 and R460 driver branch. It arises from incorrect updating of a reference count within the software, potentially resulting in denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1077

The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to exploit the software flaw, leading to denial of service attacks on affected systems. This could disrupt normal operations and affect system availability, posing a risk to users and organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1077

In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver arises from the incorrect management of a resource's reference count. This incorrect updating of the count could be exploited by attackers to trigger denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects systems running the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver within the R450 and R460 driver branch. Users with these versions are at risk of potential denial of service exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the reference count mechanism within the driver, causing it to be inaccurately updated and potentially leading to denial of service incidents.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1077.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should apply patches or updates provided by NVIDIA to address the vulnerability in the affected driver versions. It is crucial to keep software up to date to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as network segmentation, access controls, and regular security assessments, can enhance overall resilience against potential vulnerabilities and attacks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from NVIDIA and promptly apply recommended patches or updates to stay protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-1077.