CVE-2007-4972 in RegMon
Summary
by MITRE
RegMon 7.04 does not properly validate certain parameters to System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT) function handlers, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly gain privileges via kernel SSDT hooks to the (1) NtCreateKey and (2) NtOpenKey Windows Native API functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4972 resides within RegMon 7.04, a system monitoring tool designed to track registry access operations on Windows systems. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that stems from inadequate parameter validation within the kernel-level SSDT function handlers. The vulnerability specifically affects two Windows Native API functions: NtCreateKey and NtOpenKey, which are fundamental components of the Windows registry access mechanism. These functions serve as the primary interface for creating and opening registry keys, making them prime targets for exploitation due to their privileged execution context and system-wide accessibility.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper validation of parameters passed to SSDT handlers, which are essentially tables containing pointers to system service routines in the Windows kernel. When RegMon 7.04 attempts to hook these critical functions, it fails to properly validate the input parameters that are passed through the kernel execution context. This parameter validation failure creates a condition where maliciously crafted inputs can cause the kernel to execute unintended code paths or corrupt kernel memory structures. The vulnerability manifests as a potential privilege escalation vector because the SSDT hooking mechanism operates at the kernel level, where unauthorized modifications can lead to elevated privileges. According to CWE-20, this vulnerability maps directly to improper input validation, while the privilege escalation aspect aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios that could compromise entire Windows systems. Local attackers who can execute code on the target system can leverage this vulnerability to crash the operating system through controlled parameter manipulation, leading to system instability and denial of service. More critically, the vulnerability could enable privilege escalation attacks where an attacker gains elevated system privileges, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions. This capability fundamentally undermines the security model of Windows systems, as registry access is a core system function that controls access to system configuration and security settings. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local privilege escalation could be achieved through social engineering or other attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4972 should focus on immediate patching of the RegMon 7.04 software to address the parameter validation flaws in the SSDT hooking mechanism. System administrators should implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local execution of monitoring tools that interact with kernel-level functions. The implementation of kernel-mode code integrity checks and driver signature enforcement can help prevent the loading of vulnerable or untrusted monitoring software. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious kernel-level activity and parameter manipulation patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to T1055 for privilege escalation and T1489 for system shutdown/reboot, as the denial of service component can be leveraged to disrupt system operations. Regular security assessments and kernel-level monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while system hardening practices should include disabling unnecessary kernel debugging features and implementing proper access controls for registry operations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of system monitoring tools that operate at privileged execution levels.