CVE-2007-5039 in Ghost Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Ghost Security Suite beta 1.110 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 the (1) NtCreateKey, (2) NtDeleteValueKey, (3) NtQueryValueKey, (4) NtSetSystemInformation, and (5) NtSetValueKey kernel SSDT hooks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5039 resides within the Ghost Security Suite beta 1.110, a security tool designed for Windows systems. This flaw represents a critical weakness in kernel-level parameter validation mechanisms that directly impacts the System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT) function handlers. The SSDT serves as a crucial kernel interface that maps system service calls to their corresponding kernel routines, making proper validation essential for system stability and security. When the Ghost Security Suite fails to adequately validate parameters passed to these SSDT handlers, it creates a pathway for exploitation that can compromise the integrity of the Windows kernel itself.
The technical flaw manifests specifically in the improper validation of parameters within five critical SSDT hooks: NtCreateKey, NtDeleteValueKey, NtQueryValueKey, NtSetSystemInformation, and NtSetValueKey. These functions represent fundamental registry operations and system information manipulation capabilities that are heavily utilized by both legitimate system processes and potential attackers. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input sanitization and validation checks, allowing maliciously crafted parameters to bypass normal kernel security boundaries. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental software security flaw that can lead to various security consequences including privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. Local users who exploit this weakness can cause system crashes through controlled parameter manipulation, but more concerning is the potential for privilege elevation. When SSDT hooks are improperly validated, attackers can manipulate kernel-level functions to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-to-administrator access controls. This represents a significant threat to system integrity as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level manipulation and system service abuse.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5039 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of the Ghost Security Suite or removing the software entirely from affected systems until proper updates are implemented. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms such as Driver Signature Enforcement and Windows Defender Application Control can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. System monitoring should include detection of abnormal SSDT modifications and registry access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly audit system configurations to minimize potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter validation in kernel-level code and serves as a reminder that security tools themselves can contain exploitable flaws that require careful oversight and maintenance.