CVE-2010-1592 in sandra
Summary
by MITRE
sandra.sys 15.18.1.1 and earlier in the Sandra Device Driver in SiSoftware Sandra 16.10.2010.1 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (system crash) via unspecified vectors involving "Model-Specific Registers."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1592 represents a critical security flaw within the sandra.sys device driver component of SiSoftware Sandra 16.10.2010.1 and earlier versions. This issue specifically affects the Model-Specific Registers (MSRs) functionality within the driver, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit system weaknesses through unspecified vectors that can result in either privilege escalation or system instability. The vulnerability exists within the kernel-mode driver interface, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core level of system operations where unauthorized access can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of Model-Specific Registers within the sandra.sys driver module. MSRs are specialized registers in x86 processors that control various low-level hardware features and system behaviors, including performance monitoring, power management, and security settings. When the driver fails to properly validate or sanitize access to these registers, it creates opportunities for malicious code to manipulate critical system parameters. This flaw falls under the category of improper privilege handling and inadequate input validation, which are commonly associated with CWE-264 and CWE-252 security weaknesses. The vulnerability essentially allows local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, access protected memory regions, or disable security features.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential system instability and denial of service conditions. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to either elevate their privileges to system level or cause system crashes through malformed MSR operations that destabilize the kernel. This dual nature makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with both persistent access and system disruption capabilities. The attack surface is limited to local users who already have access to the system, but the potential for privilege escalation means that even limited user accounts could be exploited to gain complete system control. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and system exploitation, specifically targeting the kernel-level execution environment where the most critical security controls operate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1592 require immediate attention through software updates and system hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to SiSoftware Sandra 16.10.2010.2 or later versions where the driver vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary device drivers, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for suspicious MSR operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel-mode driver security practices and highlights the risks associated with legacy software components that may not receive ongoing security updates. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure complete removal or patching of the vulnerable sandra.sys driver components. Additionally, implementing runtime protection measures and monitoring for unauthorized MSR access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts and prevent successful attacks.