CVE-2010-1591 in Rising
Summary
by MITRE
Beijing Rising International Rising Antivirus 2008 through 2010 does not properly validate input to certain IOCTLs, including 0x83003C07, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted IOCTL requests to the (1) HookCont.sys, (2) HookNtos.sys, (3) HOOKREG.sys, or (4) HookSys.sys device driver; or the (5) RsNTGdi.sys kernel module, reachable through \Device\RSNTGDI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2019
This vulnerability exists in Beijing Rising International Rising Antivirus versions 2008 through 2010 where the kernel-mode device drivers fail to properly validate input parameters submitted through IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests. The specific IOCTL code 0x83003C07 represents a critical flaw in the driver validation mechanism that allows local attackers to escalate privileges from standard user level to kernel level access. The vulnerable drivers include HookCont.sys, HookNtos.sys, HOOKREG.sys, and HookSys.sys which are part of the antivirus kernel protection framework, along with the RsNTGdi.sys module accessible through the \Device\RSNTGDI device path. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that falls under CWE-122, which describes improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, and more specifically CWE-125, which addresses over-read conditions in memory operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel-mode drivers that process IOCTL requests without proper bounds checking or parameter sanitization. When legitimate IOCTL requests are processed, the drivers fail to validate the size, content, or structure of the input data, allowing maliciously crafted IOCTL parameters to overwrite kernel memory or manipulate driver behavior. This vulnerability enables local privilege escalation because the kernel drivers operate with elevated privileges and the flawed validation allows attackers to manipulate driver behavior through carefully constructed input parameters that can lead to arbitrary code execution in kernel space. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple kernel drivers and modules, expanding the attack surface significantly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local attackers with complete system compromise capabilities through privilege escalation. An attacker with standard user access can exploit this vulnerability to gain kernel-level privileges, enabling them to bypass all operating system security mechanisms, modify system files, disable security features, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems where these antivirus drivers are installed, particularly those running vulnerable versions of the Beijing Rising Antivirus software. This represents a critical security weakness that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and T1547.001, covering registry run keys and startup folder modifications that can be facilitated once kernel privileges are obtained.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the antivirus software to the latest versions that address this vulnerability, as well as disabling the affected kernel drivers if the software cannot be updated. System administrators should also implement monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity and ensure that only authorized users have access to systems running vulnerable antivirus software. Additional defensive measures include running systems with minimal privileges, implementing application whitelisting, and conducting regular security audits to identify and remove vulnerable software installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and highlights the risks associated with antivirus software that operates at kernel level without adequate security controls. Organizations should also consider alternative antivirus solutions that have been properly vetted for kernel-mode security issues and maintain updated security baselines that prevent installation of vulnerable software versions.