CVE-2005-1905 in anti-virus
Summary
by MITRE
the klif.sys driver in kaspersky labs anti-virus 5.0.227 5.0.228 and 5.0.335 on windows 2000 allows local users to gain privileges by modifying certain critical code addresses that are later accessed by privileged programs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1905 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the klif.sys kernel driver component of Kaspersky Labs anti-virus software versions 5.0.227, 5.0.228, and 5.0.335 running on Windows 2000 systems. This issue stems from improper privilege handling within the kernel-mode driver that processes critical system operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the driver's memory management and code execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate privileged code addresses that are subsequently accessed by elevated system processes. The flaw operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard user-mode security controls and operates within the trusted execution environment of the operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the klif.sys driver maintaining certain memory addresses that are critical to system security operations and are accessed by privileged programs during normal system execution. Local users with minimal system access can modify these specific code addresses through direct memory manipulation techniques, potentially altering the behavior of privileged system components. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which categorizes permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and more specifically with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges. The attack vector leverages the driver's failure to properly validate or protect critical memory regions, allowing unprivileged code execution to influence privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable complete system compromise. Once local users can modify these critical code addresses, they can effectively subvert the anti-virus software's protection mechanisms and potentially gain full system control. This represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Kaspersky anti-virus solutions are deployed, as it allows attackers who have already gained low-privilege access to elevate their privileges and potentially move laterally within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation directly contradicts the principle of least privilege and undermines the security model that anti-virus solutions are designed to enforce. The attack pattern follows typical privilege escalation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactic, specifically targeting kernel-mode components to achieve elevated system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1905 require immediate patching of affected Kaspersky anti-virus versions, as no reliable workarounds exist for this kernel-level vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring for the klif.sys driver and related kernel components, particularly in environments where multiple user accounts exist. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel-mode privilege separation and memory protection mechanisms within security software. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable kernel drivers and ensure that anti-virus solutions maintain proper privilege boundaries. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious memory modification activities can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the necessity for thorough security testing of kernel drivers and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws.