CVE-2008-3897 in Disckcryptor
Summary
by MITRE
DiskCryptor 0.2.6 on Windows stores pre-boot authentication passwords in the BIOS Keyboard buffer and does not clear this buffer before and after use, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the physical memory locations associated with this buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
DiskCryptor version 0.2.6 presents a significant security vulnerability that stems from improper handling of pre-boot authentication credentials within the system's hardware interface. The vulnerability occurs during the disk encryption authentication process where the software writes passwords to the BIOS keyboard buffer, a low-level hardware component that serves as a temporary storage area for keystroke data. This buffer remains accessible to any process with sufficient privileges and direct memory access capabilities, creating a persistent exposure window for sensitive authentication information.
The technical flaw resides in the software's failure to implement proper buffer sanitization protocols before and after password processing. According to CWE-256, this represents a weakness in the handling of sensitive data where information is not properly cleared from memory locations after use. The vulnerability specifically manifests as a lack of secure memory management practices during the pre-boot authentication phase, where the operating system's memory management does not adequately protect the keyboard buffer from unauthorized access. This design flaw allows malicious actors with local system access to potentially read the physical memory locations where the password was temporarily stored, effectively bypassing the encryption protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of disk encryption systems. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to extract authentication credentials that would normally be protected by the encryption layer, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the authentication process by creating a window where sensitive data exists in an accessible state. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1551, this represents a credential access vector that leverages insecure credential storage practices, while also aligning with T1003 which covers credential dumping techniques. The threat landscape is particularly concerning because this vulnerability operates at a level below the operating system's normal security boundaries, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate hardware-level exposure and the software design flaw. System administrators should implement strict physical security measures to prevent unauthorized local access, while also ensuring that the DiskCryptor software is updated to versions that properly clear the keyboard buffer. The solution requires proper implementation of secure memory handling practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-155 guidelines for secure credential handling. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and monitoring for unauthorized access to critical system buffers, as well as conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other encryption and authentication systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices that consider hardware-level memory management and the critical need for proper buffer sanitization during sensitive operations.