CVE-2007-5762 in NetWare Client
Summary
by MITRE
NICM.SYS driver 3.0.0.4, as used in Novell NetWare Client 4.91 SP4, allows local users to execute arbitrary code by opening the \\.\nicm device and providing crafted kernel addresses via IOCTLs with the METHOD_NEITHER buffering mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5762 represents a critical kernel-mode buffer overflow in the NICM.SYS network driver component of Novell NetWare Client 4.91 SP4. This flaw exists within the device driver's handling of IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests specifically when utilizing METHOD_NEITHER buffering mode, which is a Windows kernel mechanism that bypasses normal buffer validation procedures. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper memory management within the driver's kernel space implementation, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and leverages the specific characteristics of the METHOD_NEITHER I/O control method, which allows drivers to directly access user-mode memory addresses without automatic kernel validation. When a malicious user opens the \.icm device file and submits crafted IOCTL requests with specially constructed kernel addresses, the driver fails to properly validate the memory references, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions in kernel-mode drivers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation from standard user level to kernel level execution rights, effectively granting attackers complete system compromise. Once exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access and does not need network connectivity or external attack surfaces. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1547.001, covering registry run keys and startup folder modifications that could be used for persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Novell NetWare Client software to the latest available version that addresses the driver buffer overflow. Organizations should also implement least privilege principles, ensuring that users have minimal necessary permissions and that system accounts operate with restricted privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual kernel-level activities or unauthorized device file access attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and regularly audit system driver configurations to identify potentially vulnerable or outdated components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of driver security validation and proper input sanitization in kernel-mode code, as these components form the foundation of system security and are often targeted by sophisticated attack campaigns.