CVE-2003-1309 in ZoneAlarm
Summary
by MITRE
The DeviceIoControl function in the TrueVector Device Driver (VSDATANT) in ZoneAlarm before 3.7.211, Pro before 4.0.146.029, and Plus before 4.0.146.029 allows local users to gain privileges via certain signals (aka "Device Driver Attack").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1309 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the TrueVector Device Driver component of ZoneAlarm security software. This issue affects multiple versions of the ZoneAlarm suite including the standard version before 3.7.211, Pro version before 4.0.146.029, and Plus version before 4.0.146.029. The vulnerability specifically resides in the DeviceIoControl function implementation within the VSDATANT driver, which is responsible for handling device control operations and communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges, effectively bypassing the security model designed to protect system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the kernel-mode driver component. When the DeviceIoControl function processes certain control codes or signals, it fails to properly validate the parameters passed from user-mode applications. This validation gap creates an opportunity for malicious input to manipulate the driver's behavior and potentially execute unauthorized code paths. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue that falls under CWE-264, which specifically addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems. The attack vector involves local users who can craft specific signals or control codes that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, result in privilege elevation. This represents a classic example of a kernel-mode vulnerability that can be exploited through user-mode applications, creating a significant security risk for systems running affected versions of ZoneAlarm.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected versions of ZoneAlarm. Local users who can access the system can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level, potentially gaining complete control over the affected machine. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, meaning that any successful exploitation results in complete system compromise without requiring network access or external attack vectors. The attack can be executed by any local user with the ability to run applications on the target system, making it a significant concern for environments where user access is not strictly controlled.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected ZoneAlarm versions to the recommended secure releases. Organizations should prioritize updating all systems running ZoneAlarm versions prior to the specified thresholds to eliminate the risk of exploitation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting local user access where possible and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers, a principle that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other device drivers and system components. Additionally, organizations should ensure that their security software updates are properly tested and deployed across all systems to maintain consistent protection levels.