CVE-2008-1518 in Kaspersky
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in kl1.sys in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6.0 and 7.0 and Internet Security 6.0 and 7.0 allows local users to gain privileges via an IOCTL 0x800520e8 call.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1518 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the kernel-mode driver component kl1.sys that forms part of Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Internet Security products spanning versions 6.0 and 7.0. This vulnerability exists at the core of the security software's defensive infrastructure, specifically within the kernel driver that handles system-level operations. The flaw manifests when the driver processes an IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command with the specific identifier 0x800520e8, which is typically used for communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers in Windows operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the kl1.sys driver when processing input data through the specified IOCTL interface. When a local user application sends a crafted payload to the driver via this particular IOCTL call, the driver fails to validate the size of incoming data before copying it onto the stack. This oversight creates a predictable buffer overflow condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and other critical execution context information. The vulnerability is classified as local privilege escalation since it requires a user to already have system access but does not require administrative privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where standard user accounts have legitimate access to security software components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a potential attack vector for malicious actors to elevate their system privileges from standard user level to kernel-level access. This escalation allows attackers to bypass the normal security boundaries that separate user applications from the core operating system, potentially enabling them to modify system files, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Kaspersky products are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability a significant concern for organizations that rely on these security solutions for protection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions due to insufficient bounds checking.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the privilege escalation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation tactic, specifically targeting the technique of "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. The local nature of this exploit means that it can be leveraged by any user with access to the system, potentially through social engineering or by compromising a user account with legitimate access to the security software. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly when evaluating the security of security software itself, as the software designed to protect against attacks may contain exploitable flaws that attackers can leverage against the system. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in kernel-mode drivers, as these components operate with the highest privileges and can cause system-wide compromise when exploited.