CVE-2007-0436 in X-Kryptor Driver BMS1446HRR
Summary
by MITRE
Barron McCann X-Kryptor Driver BMS1446HRR (Xgntr BMS1351 Install BMS1472) in X-Kryptor Secure Client does not drop privileges when launching an Explorer window in response to a help command, which allows local users to gain LocalSystem privileges via interactive use of Explorer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0436 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Barron McCann X-Kryptor Secure Client software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the BMS1446HRR driver component and related BMS1351 and BMS1472 installations, creating a dangerous condition where the system fails to properly manage privilege levels during user interaction. The flaw manifests when the system launches an Explorer window in response to a help command, demonstrating a fundamental failure in privilege management protocols that directly compromises system security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the driver's inability to properly drop privileges when executing the Explorer window launch process. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where a local user can leverage the system's failure to enforce proper privilege boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where the driver maintains elevated privileges but fails to transition to a lower privilege context when launching the Explorer application, creating an attack surface that allows arbitrary code execution with LocalSystem privileges. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-276, which specifically addresses improper privilege management and inadequate privilege dropping mechanisms in operating system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly enables local users to escalate their privileges to the highest system level available. When an interactive user triggers the help command, the system launches Explorer with elevated privileges, allowing the user to execute arbitrary commands with LocalSystem access. This creates a significant risk for systems where local user accounts might be compromised or where users with limited access could exploit this condition to gain complete system control. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users might have access to the system and where the potential for privilege escalation could lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate privilege escalation issue and the underlying driver security flaws. System administrators should immediately implement privilege separation measures and ensure that all driver components properly implement privilege dropping mechanisms before launching any interactive applications. The recommended approach includes disabling the affected driver components until patched versions are available, implementing strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local user access, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all system drivers. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect anomalous privilege escalation activities and establish robust patch management procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other system components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits and improper privilege management in system components.