CVE-2008-0573 in Softremote VPN Client
Summary
by MITRE
IPSecDrv.sys 10.4.0.12 in SafeNET HighAssurance Remote and SoftRemote allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted IPSECDRV_IOCTL IOCTL request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0573 resides within the IPSecDrv.sys kernel driver component of SafeNET HighAssurance Remote and SoftRemote software versions containing the specific driver version 10.4.0.12. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to elevate their system privileges through manipulation of a specific IOCTL (Input/Output Control) interface. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly validate input parameters submitted through the IPSECDRV_IOCTL request, creating a pathway for malicious code execution at kernel level. The affected software products are part of the SafeNET family, which provides enterprise-grade security solutions for remote access and network protection, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on these systems for critical infrastructure protection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the IPSecDrv.sys driver module. When a local user submits a crafted IPSECDRV_IOCTL request, the driver does not adequately sanitize or verify the parameters passed to the IOCTL handler. This lack of input validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the driver's execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. The vulnerability specifically relates to a buffer overflow or integer overflow condition that occurs during IOCTL processing, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout or execute code with elevated privileges. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow, as the improper validation leads to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, local users can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, enabling them to bypass security controls, modify system files, install malware, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running the vulnerable SafeNET software versions, which are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for secure remote access solutions. Organizations using these products face significant risk as the attack vector requires only local access, meaning that any user with legitimate access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability. This makes the impact particularly severe in environments where privileged accounts are compromised or where insider threats exist, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain system administrator privileges without requiring additional authentication or network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0573 should focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The primary recommendation is to apply the vendor-provided security patches that address the input validation flaws in the IPSecDrv.sys driver. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting local user access to systems running vulnerable software, enabling kernel-mode code integrity checks, and monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1543: Create or Modify System Process, as it enables attackers to leverage kernel-level privileges to modify system processes and gain elevated access. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized kernel drivers and establish robust monitoring for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise network infrastructure.