CVE-2009-0824 in AnyDVD
Summary
by MITRE
Elaborate Bytes ElbyCDIO.sys 6.0.2.0 and earlier, as distributed in SlySoft AnyDVD before 6.5.2.6, Virtual CloneDrive 5.4.2.3 and earlier, CloneDVD 2.9.2.0 and earlier, and CloneCD 5.3.1.3 and earlier, uses the METHOD_NEITHER communication method for IOCTLs and does not properly validate a buffer associated with the Irp object, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted IOCTL call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0824 represents a critical kernel-mode driver flaw affecting multiple software products from Elaborate Bytes including ElbyCDIO.sys driver version 6.0.2.0 and earlier. This issue manifests within the communication framework of Windows kernel drivers, specifically through the improper handling of Input/Output Control (IOCTL) operations. The vulnerability stems from the driver's use of METHOD_NEITHER communication method, which bypasses normal buffer validation mechanisms that typically occur during kernel-level operations. This particular communication method requires the driver to manually validate buffer parameters, creating a potential attack surface where insufficient validation leads to system instability.
The technical flaw resides in the lack of proper buffer validation within the Irp (I/O Request Packet) object processing mechanism. When a malicious user submits a crafted IOCTL call, the driver fails to adequately verify the buffer parameters associated with the Irp object, allowing for memory corruption conditions that can result in system crashes or complete denial of service. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning that exploitation can occur from user-mode applications, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by ordinary users without requiring elevated privileges. The improper use of METHOD_NEITHER communication method removes automatic buffer validation that would normally occur in other communication modes, leaving the driver susceptible to malformed input that can corrupt kernel memory structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can lead to complete system instability and potential data loss. Local users can exploit this weakness to crash the operating system, rendering the affected system unusable until a reboot occurs. This vulnerability affects multiple products within the SlySoft ecosystem, including AnyDVD, Virtual CloneDrive, CloneDVD, and CloneCD, indicating a widespread issue in the driver implementation that impacts a significant portion of users who rely on these copy protection and cloning utilities. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption, though it specifically targets the kernel-mode driver communication rather than user-mode applications.
The security implications of CVE-2009-0824 align with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and T1499, which involves network denial of service attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning as it affects widely used software utilities that many legitimate users employ for legitimate purposes such as media backup and duplication. The flaw represents a fundamental design issue in the driver's IOCTL handling mechanism, where the decision to use METHOD_NEITHER without proper manual validation creates a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by any local user to cause system instability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates from SlySoft, specifically upgrading to AnyDVD 6.5.2.6 or later versions, as well as updating Virtual CloneDrive, CloneDVD, and CloneCD to their respective patched versions. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual IOCTL activity patterns and consider disabling unnecessary driver functionality where possible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper driver development practices and adherence to secure coding guidelines, particularly regarding buffer validation in kernel-mode components. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of running potentially malicious software that might exploit such vulnerabilities, and organizations should implement patch management policies that prioritize critical kernel-level vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.