CVE-2005-3197 in Desktop Firewall
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in PWIWrapper.dll for Webroot Desktop Firewall before 1.3.0build52 allows local users to execute arbitrary code as SYSTEM by sending a crafted DeviceIoControl command, then removing an allowed program from the firewall list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3197 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the PWIWrapper.dll component of Webroot Desktop Firewall versions prior to 1.3.0build52. This vulnerability exists at the kernel level within the device driver interface, specifically when processing DeviceIoControl commands. The flaw manifests when the system receives a specially crafted DeviceIoControl request that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack, creating a condition where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten with malicious data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflows as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires local system access and leverages the Windows driver model's trust in kernel-mode components, where the malicious input is processed without adequate bounds checking.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables local attackers to achieve SYSTEM-level privileges through a carefully constructed sequence of actions. When an attacker sends the crafted DeviceIoControl command to the vulnerable driver, the buffer overflow allows them to overwrite the stack frame and potentially redirect execution flow. The subsequent removal of an allowed program from the firewall list serves as a critical component of the attack chain, as it provides the attacker with a legitimate mechanism to maintain persistence while avoiding detection. The vulnerability's exploitation requires intimate knowledge of the driver's internal structure and memory layout, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible but not easily obtained. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the exploitation of local privileges to achieve system-level access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Windows kernel-mode security mechanisms and the specific attack surface presented by device drivers. The attacker must first establish a local presence on the target system, then craft a precise DeviceIoControl command that triggers the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability's nature as a stack-based overflow means that the attacker can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data to redirect program execution. The fact that the attack requires the subsequent removal of a firewall rule suggests that the attacker may be attempting to create a persistent backdoor or maintain access while avoiding firewall-based detection mechanisms. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and the critical need for robust bounds checking in all system-level components. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often requires advanced knowledge of assembly language and memory management, making it a significant concern for organizations that cannot guarantee complete control over local system access. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the window of opportunity for exploitation exists only when the vulnerable driver is actively loaded and accessible to local users. The presence of this vulnerability in a security product like Webroot Desktop Firewall also raises concerns about the overall security posture of the system, as attackers can leverage legitimate security software components to achieve unauthorized access.