CVE-2022-28182: Nvidia GPU Display Driver RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2022-28182 Overview

CVE-2022-28182 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting the NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows, specifically within the DirectX11 user mode driver (nvwgf2um/x.dll). An unauthorized attacker on the network can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted shader, potentially leading to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. Notably, the scope of the impact may extend to other components beyond the vulnerable driver itself.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows network-based attackers to achieve code execution through malicious shader manipulation, with potential for privilege escalation and cross-component impact on Windows systems running NVIDIA GPU drivers.

Affected Products

• NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows
• NVIDIA Virtual GPU (vGPU) software versions prior to 14.0
• Microsoft Windows systems with affected NVIDIA drivers

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-05-17 - CVE-2022-28182 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-28182

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 (Out-of-Bounds Write), a memory corruption flaw where data is written beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability exists in the DirectX11 user mode driver components (nvwgf2um.dll for 32-bit and nvwgf2umx.dll for 64-bit systems), which are responsible for processing graphics operations and shader compilation on Windows systems.

The attack requires network access and low privileges to execute, though the complexity is high due to the need for crafting specific malicious shaders. The changed scope indicator means successful exploitation can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component's security context, potentially affecting the broader system integrity.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper bounds checking during shader processing within the DirectX11 user mode driver. When the driver processes specially crafted shader code, it fails to properly validate write operations, allowing memory corruption outside allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when array indices or memory offsets derived from shader input are not properly validated before use.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, where an attacker can deliver malicious shader code to a target system. This could occur through various scenarios including:

The vulnerability can be triggered when a victim system processes graphics content containing the malicious shader. Attack scenarios include malicious web content rendered by browsers using hardware acceleration, compromised streaming services, or network-shared graphics applications. The attacker must craft a shader that, when compiled or executed by the vulnerable NVIDIA driver, triggers the out-of-bounds write condition.

The exploitation mechanism involves manipulating shader instruction parameters or data structures to cause the driver to write beyond allocated memory regions. This memory corruption can then be leveraged for code execution, system compromise, or denial of service depending on the attacker's objectives and exploitation technique sophistication.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-28182

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected crashes or blue screens (BSOD) related to nvwgf2um.dll or nvwgf2umx.dll driver components
• Abnormal memory access patterns or exceptions in GPU driver processes
• Unusual network traffic delivering graphics or shader content from untrusted sources
• Evidence of privilege escalation attempts following GPU driver anomalies

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Windows Event Logs for driver crashes and exceptions involving NVIDIA DirectX11 user mode drivers
• Implement endpoint detection rules to identify memory corruption attempts targeting GPU drivers
• Deploy network security controls to inspect and filter potentially malicious graphics content
• Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized shader compilation or execution

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for GPU driver operations in enterprise environments
• Monitor for unusual process behavior or child processes spawned by applications utilizing hardware graphics acceleration
• Track driver version information across endpoints to ensure vulnerable versions are identified
• Implement memory protection technologies and monitor for bypass attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-28182

Immediate Actions Required

• Update NVIDIA GPU Display Drivers to the latest patched version immediately
• Review and apply NVIDIA Security Bulletin updates for Virtual GPU (vGPU) deployments
• Audit systems to identify all endpoints running vulnerable driver versions
• Consider temporarily disabling hardware graphics acceleration on critical systems until patches are applied

Patch Information

NVIDIA has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should consult the NVIDIA Security Bulletin for specific version information and download links. Organizations using NVIDIA Virtual GPU software should ensure they upgrade to version 14.0 or later, or apply the appropriate security patches for their deployment.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to systems with vulnerable NVIDIA drivers where possible
• Disable hardware graphics acceleration in browsers and applications on sensitive systems until patching is complete
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems with vulnerable GPU drivers
• Use software rendering alternatives where hardware acceleration is not critical

# Configuration example
# Check current NVIDIA driver version on Windows
nvidia-smi --query-gpu=driver_version --format=csv

# Verify driver files for vulnerable versions
dir "C:\Windows\System32\nvwgf2um*.dll"

# Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience or manual download to update drivers
# Download latest drivers from: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx