CVE-2004-0766 in StackDefender
Summary
by MITRE
NGSEC StackDefender 2.0 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) via an invalid address for the BaseAddress parameter to the hooks for the (1) ZwAllocateVirtualMemory or (2) ZwProtectVirtualMemory functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0766 represents a critical denial of service flaw within NGSEC StackDefender 2.0, a security solution designed to protect systems from various threats. This vulnerability specifically targets the kernel-level hooking mechanisms implemented by the software, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt system operations through carefully crafted input parameters. The flaw manifests when the BaseAddress parameter receives invalid address values during the hooking process for critical Windows kernel functions, leading to system instability and potential crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the StackDefender 2.0 implementation. When the software attempts to hook the ZwAllocateVirtualMemory or ZwProtectVirtualMemory system calls, it fails to properly validate the BaseAddress parameter provided by external sources. This parameter typically represents memory addresses within the target process address space, and when invalid or malformed addresses are supplied, the hooking mechanism cannot properly process these inputs. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, where the software intercepts and monitors system calls, making the impact particularly severe as it can compromise the stability of the entire operating system. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses issues related to insufficient input validation, and demonstrates how improper validation of input parameters can lead to system instability and denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions that may require system restarts to resolve. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious input that includes invalid BaseAddress values, causing the StackDefender 2.0 software to malfunction when attempting to process these hooks. The implications are particularly concerning for enterprise environments where security solutions are expected to enhance system stability rather than compromise it. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows operating systems and is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt critical security monitoring functions while simultaneously causing system instability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes denial of service attacks targeting system services and kernel-level components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by NGSEC, as well as implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should ensure that StackDefender 2.0 is updated to versions that properly validate input parameters before processing them within kernel-level hooks. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit potential exploitation by restricting access to systems running this vulnerable software. Additionally, implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous hooking patterns or memory manipulation activities can provide early warning signs of exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider temporarily disabling the affected hooking functionality until proper patches are deployed, while maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation events. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security software, as flawed implementations can create attack vectors that undermine the very security protections they are designed to provide.