CVE-2006-4541 in BlackICE PC Protection
Summary
by MITRE
RapDrv.sys in BlackICE PC Protection 3.6.cpn, cpj, cpiE, and possibly 3.6 and earlier, allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via a NULL third argument to the NtOpenSection API function. NOTE: it was later reported that 3.6.cqn is also affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4541 affects RapDrv.sys driver component within BlackICE PC Protection versions 3.6.cpn, cpj, cpiE, and potentially 3.6 and earlier versions. This represents a critical security flaw in the kernel-mode driver that handles system-level operations for the network security software. The issue manifests when the driver receives an invalid parameter during processing of the NtOpenSection API function call, specifically when the third argument is NULL. This particular flaw falls under the category of improper input validation within kernel-mode drivers, which is categorized as CWE-248 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or parameter validation failure that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal privileges to disrupt system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the kernel level where the RapDrv.sys driver fails to properly validate the parameters passed to the NtOpenSection API function. When a local user crafts a malicious request with a NULL third argument, the driver does not implement adequate error checking or parameter validation mechanisms. This allows the system to crash or become unresponsive when attempting to process the malformed input. The NtOpenSection API is a Windows kernel function used to open a section object, and when invoked with invalid parameters, it can lead to system instability. The flaw represents a failure in the driver's input sanitization processes, which is consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation and system exploitation through kernel-mode vulnerabilities. The specific nature of this vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper parameter validation that should be enforced at all system call interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4541 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can result in complete system crashes or reboots that disrupt legitimate security operations. BlackICE PC Protection is designed to provide network security monitoring and protection, so a vulnerability that causes system instability directly undermines the very purpose of the software. When the system crashes due to this vulnerability, it leaves the machine exposed to potential attacks without network protection, creating a dangerous security gap. Additionally, the fact that version 3.6.cqn is also affected indicates this is not a isolated issue but a systemic problem within the driver implementation. The vulnerability affects systems running the affected BlackICE versions, potentially leaving many enterprise networks and individual workstations vulnerable to local attackers who can exploit this weakness to cause service disruption. The impact is particularly concerning for security-conscious environments where system stability is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the BlackICE PC Protection software to the latest available version that addresses this specific driver flaw. System administrators should also implement monitoring for abnormal system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around kernel-mode API calls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper driver validation and input sanitization practices, which should be enforced through code review processes and automated testing. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel-mode driver signature enforcement and system integrity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability should be addressed through defensive measures that focus on preventing kernel-mode exploitation techniques and maintaining system stability. The remediation process should also include verifying that no other vulnerable components exist within the system that might be susceptible to similar parameter validation flaws, particularly in other security software or system drivers that may not have been properly validated.