CVE-2021-1118 : Security Advisory and Response

NVIDIA Virtual GPU Software has been found to contain a vulnerability (CVE-2021-1118) in the Virtual GPU Manager. This vulnerability could allow a guest OS to execute privileged operations, potentially leading to severe consequences including information disclosure, data tampering, privilege escalation, and denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2021-1118

This section provides insights into the nature and implications of the CVE-2021-1118 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-1118?

The vulnerability in NVIDIA vGPU software resides in the Virtual GPU Manager (vGPU plugin) and enables an attacker to execute privileged operations via the guest OS, which could result in various security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-1118

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as 'High' with a base score of 7.8 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. It poses risks such as information disclosure, data manipulation, privilege escalation, and denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-1118

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-1118 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Virtual GPU Manager allows malicious actors to carry out privileged operations via the guest OS, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

NVIDIA Virtual GPU Software versions 13.x (prior to 13.1), 12.x (prior to 12.4), 11.x (prior to 11.6), and 8.x (prior 8.9) are affected by this vulnerability, exposing systems running these versions to potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by leveraging the privileges available to the guest OS, enabling the attacker to execute unauthorized operations and disrupt system functionality.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-1118 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches or updates provided by NVIDIA to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, restricting guest OS privileges, and monitoring system activity can help prevent unauthorized operations and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating the NVIDIA Virtual GPU Software to the latest version is crucial to mitigate the CVE-2021-1118 vulnerability and ensure a secure computing environment.