CVE-2007-5044 in ZoneAlarm
Summary
by MITRE
ZoneAlarm Pro 7.0.362.000 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) NtCreatePort and (2) NtDeleteFile kernel SSDT hooks, a partial regression of CVE-2007-2083.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5044 affects ZoneAlarm Pro version 7.0.362.000 and represents a critical flaw in the software's handling of kernel-level system calls through the System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT) function handlers. This issue manifests as improper parameter validation within the security software's kernel-mode components, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's core functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets two critical SSDT hooks: NtCreatePort and NtDeleteFile, which are fundamental Windows kernel functions used for port creation and file deletion operations respectively. The flaw constitutes a partial regression of CVE-2007-2083, indicating that previously addressed security gaps have reappeared or been inadequately resolved in the updated software version.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within ZoneAlarm Pro's kernel drivers, particularly when processing parameters passed to the SSDT handlers for the targeted system calls. When local users submit malformed or unexpected parameters to these functions, the software fails to properly validate the inputs before executing the corresponding kernel operations. This validation failure creates opportunities for memory corruption or unexpected behavior that can lead to system instability. The vulnerability's impact is twofold as it can trigger a denial of service condition through system crashes or potentially enable privilege escalation by allowing attackers to manipulate kernel execution flow. The SSDT hooking mechanism, which ZoneAlarm Pro uses to monitor and control system calls, becomes a vector for exploitation when these hooks do not adequately sanitize incoming parameters.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running the affected ZoneAlarm Pro version, particularly in environments where local user access is possible or where privilege escalation attacks are a concern. The local privilege escalation aspect, while potentially limited, could allow attackers with basic user access to elevate their privileges to kernel level, providing them with complete system control. The denial of service component creates immediate operational disruption, as system crashes can result in data loss, service interruptions, and potential availability issues for critical applications. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and may also map to CWE-20, representing input validation vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that ZoneAlarm Pro is designed as a security solution, making its exploitation potentially more damaging than typical vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5044 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor to address the SSDT parameter validation issues. System administrators should implement the latest security patches and updates for ZoneAlarm Pro, ensuring that all kernel-mode components properly validate input parameters before processing system calls. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of local exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual system behavior or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing proper input validation frameworks and conducting regular security reviews of kernel-mode code can prevent similar issues. Additionally, organizations should consider alternative security solutions or additional security layers if the vendor cannot provide a timely fix, as the vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system integrity is paramount.