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7.8

NVIDIA Windows GPU driver lets standard users gain admin rights

CVE-2016-8824 · published 9 years ago
Summary

The NVIDIA graphics driver for Windows contains a flaw that lets a normal user change a system setting that should be reserved for administrators. This can allow the user to increase their privileges on the computer. Apply the latest driver update from NVIDIA as soon as possible to fix the issue.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
nvidia gpu_driver All versions
cpe:2.3:a:nvidia:gpu_driver:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgDdiEscape where improper access controls allow a regular user to wri...
All versions of NVIDIA Windows GPU Display Driver contain a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys) handler for DxgDdiEscape where improper access controls allow a regular user to write a part of the registry intended for privileged users only, leading to escalation of privileges.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
7.8 High
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-284Improper Access Control
Timeline
Published16 Dec 2016
Updated31 Oct 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2016-8824 · NVD
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