CVE-2014-2382 in Deep Freeze
Summary
by MITRE
The DfDiskLo.sys driver in Faronics Deep Freeze Standard and Enterprise 8.10 and earlier allows local administrators to cause a denial of service (crash) and execute arbitrary code via a crafted IOCTL request that writes to arbitrary memory locations, related to the IofCallDriver function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2382 resides within the DfDiskLo.sys kernel-mode driver component of Faronics Deep Freeze Standard and Enterprise versions 8.10 and earlier. This driver operates at the kernel level within the Windows operating system, providing critical functionality for the deep freeze protection mechanism that prevents system modifications. The flaw manifests through improper input validation within the driver's handling of IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests, specifically when processing certain device control commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects local administrators who already possess elevated privileges, making exploitation more likely and potentially more devastating within compromised environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the driver's inadequate validation of user-supplied parameters during IOCTL processing. When a crafted IOCTL request is submitted to the DfDiskLo.sys driver, the IofCallDriver function fails to properly validate memory access parameters, allowing malicious input to redirect execution flow or write to arbitrary memory locations. This represents a classic buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through improper input validation, classified under CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and potentially CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write." The vulnerability enables an attacker with local administrator access to escalate privileges further, potentially achieving kernel-level code execution and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2382 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides a pathway for arbitrary code execution within the kernel space of affected systems. Local administrators who exploit this vulnerability can effectively bypass the intended protection mechanisms of Deep Freeze, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where local administrative privileges may be more widely distributed, and where Deep Freeze is deployed to protect critical infrastructure. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security posture of systems relying on Deep Freeze for protection, as it allows attackers to circumvent the very mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized system modifications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2382 should focus on immediate patching of affected Faronics Deep Freeze installations to versions 8.20 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the IOCTL handling and memory validation issues. Organizations should also implement strict access controls limiting local administrative privileges to only essential personnel and systems requiring such access. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing kernel-mode driver integrity checking mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments of system drivers to identify similar issues. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 as "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 as "Command and Scripting Interpreter," highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also review their patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar kernel-level vulnerabilities that may exist in other security software components.