CVE-2013-3697 in Novell
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the NWFS.SYS kernel driver 4.91.5.8 in Novell Client 4.91 SP5 on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 and the NCPL.SYS kernel driver in Novell Client 2 SP2 on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 and Novell Client 2 SP3 on Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 might allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted 0x1439EB IOCTL call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3697 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Novell Client kernel drivers that affects multiple Windows operating systems. This issue resides in the NWFS.SYS driver version 4.91.5.8 and NCPL.SYS driver components of Novell Client software, specifically impacting Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 environments. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted 0x1439EB IOCTL (Input/Output Control) call that triggers the integer overflow condition, potentially enabling local privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the kernel driver code where integer variables fail to properly handle overflow conditions when processing IOCTL requests. This flaw creates a scenario where a malicious local user can manipulate input parameters to cause integer overflow, resulting in unexpected behavior within the driver's memory management and control flow. The integer overflow typically occurs when the driver processes user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to manipulate the control flow of the kernel driver and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3697 is severe as it provides local attackers with the capability to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system-level access. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to systems but could be compromised through social engineering or other means. The vulnerability affects organizations using Novell Client software in enterprise environments, where the kernel driver components are actively running and accessible to local users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of Novell Client software to the latest available versions that address the integer overflow issue. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local user access where possible and monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns. Security administrators should consider disabling unnecessary kernel drivers and implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as kernel patch protection and exploit prevention software. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that vulnerable drivers are not present on systems, and network segmentation should be employed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of system components that operate with elevated privileges.