CVE-2007-5040 in Ghost Security Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Ghost Security Suite alpha 1.200 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) NtCreateThread, (3) NtDeleteValueKey, (4) NtQueryValueKey, (5) NtSetSystemInformation, and (6) NtSetValueKey kernel SSDT hooks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5040 represents a critical flaw in the Ghost Security Suite alpha 1.200 implementation that affects kernel-level security mechanisms on windows operating systems. This issue stems from inadequate parameter validation within the System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT) function handlers, which serve as the primary interface between user-mode applications and kernel-mode services in the windows operating system architecture. The SSDT acts as a table of function pointers that maps system service calls to their corresponding kernel routines, making it a prime target for exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of parameters passed to specific kernel functions through SSDT hooks. When the Ghost Security Suite attempts to intercept and process system calls related to registry operations and system information manipulation, it fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. This validation gap creates opportunities for malicious code to craft specially crafted parameters that can trigger unexpected behavior in the kernel. The vulnerable functions include NtCreateKey, NtCreateThread, NtDeleteValueKey, NtQueryValueKey, NtSetSystemInformation, and NtSetValueKey, all of which are fundamental system calls that interact with the windows registry and system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can cause system crashes through kernel-level exceptions or memory corruption, leading to system instability and denial of service conditions. More critically, the improper parameter validation creates potential pathways for privilege escalation, as attackers can manipulate the kernel's handling of these system calls to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input parameters, and represents a classic example of a buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited in kernel space.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given that the Ghost Security Suite is designed to monitor and control system-level activities, making it a legitimate target for exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems running windows operating systems where the Ghost Security Suite is installed, with the risk increasing when the suite is running with administrative privileges. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious system calls that leverage the parameter validation gaps in the SSDT hooks, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized privilege escalation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1484, which addresses 'Domain Policy Modification' through kernel-level manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5040 primarily focus on addressing the root cause through proper parameter validation in kernel-level code. System administrators should ensure that the Ghost Security Suite is updated to versions that properly validate parameters before processing them through SSDT hooks. The recommended approach includes implementing input sanitization measures, adding proper bounds checking, and ensuring that all parameters passed to kernel functions are thoroughly validated. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to system service handlers can help prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to systems running security software that may be vulnerable to such kernel-level attacks, as this vulnerability specifically targets local users with existing system access.