CVE-2003-0642 in Serverlock
Summary
by MITRE
WatchGuard ServerLock for Windows 2000 before SL 2.0.4 allows local users to access kernel memory via a symlink attack on \Device\PhysicalMemory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0642 represents a critical kernel-level security flaw in WatchGuard ServerLock for Windows 2000 versions prior to SL 2.0.4. This issue stems from improper handling of symbolic link operations within the Windows kernel, specifically when accessing physical memory through the \Device\PhysicalMemory device path. The flaw enables local attackers with minimal privileges to exploit a weakness in the kernel's object management system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a symlink attack against the \Device\PhysicalMemory device, which is a Windows kernel object designed to provide direct access to physical memory addresses. When WatchGuard ServerLock processes symbolic link operations without proper validation, attackers can manipulate the link resolution process to redirect access to kernel memory locations that should remain protected. This type of attack falls under the category of privilege escalation through kernel memory manipulation, which is classified as CWE-264 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the kernel's access control mechanisms and object reference validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides local attackers with the ability to read kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive data such as encryption keys, passwords, or other confidential information stored in kernel space. This access could enable attackers to escalate privileges further, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects Windows 2000 systems running WatchGuard ServerLock versions before 2.0.4, representing a significant risk in enterprise environments where physical access to systems may be compromised. Attackers can leverage this weakness to bypass security controls that rely on kernel-level protections, making it particularly dangerous for organizations using this specific security solution.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of WatchGuard ServerLock to version 2.0.4 or later, which includes proper validation of symbolic link operations and enhanced access controls for kernel memory objects. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting local access to systems, monitoring for suspicious symbolic link activity, and ensuring proper privilege separation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through kernel exploits, specifically targeting the T1068 privilege escalation tactic and T1003 credential access technique. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel-mode driver verification and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to kernel memory objects to detect potential exploitation attempts.