CVE-2014-4115 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
fastfat.sys (aka the FASTFAT driver) in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 does not properly allocate memory, which allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (reserved-memory write) by connecting a crafted USB device, aka "Microsoft Windows Disk Partition Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4115 resides within the fastfat.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems, specifically affecting Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 versions. This flaw represents a critical memory allocation issue that enables attackers to exploit the system through physical proximity attacks involving specially crafted USB devices. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation, specifically manifesting as improper memory allocation in kernel-mode components that handle disk partition operations. The attack vector requires physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for environments where untrusted physical access is possible, such as public computers or shared workstations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the fastfat.sys driver's inadequate handling of memory allocation when processing USB devices that contain maliciously constructed partition tables or file system structures. When a crafted USB device is connected to an affected system, the driver fails to properly validate memory boundaries during the processing of partition information, resulting in a reserved-memory write condition. This condition allows attackers to overwrite critical kernel memory locations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with system-level privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass standard user-mode security controls and access protected system resources directly. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques through kernel exploits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can result in either arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions depending on the attacker's objectives. In a successful exploitation scenario, an attacker with physical proximity to an affected system could gain complete system compromise, potentially leading to data theft, persistent backdoor installation, or further network infiltration. The denial of service aspect can be equally damaging, as it allows attackers to render systems unusable through carefully crafted USB devices that trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability's reliance on physical proximity makes it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional network-based security measures, requiring physical security controls and endpoint protection strategies. Organizations should consider implementing USB device whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual USB device connections, as the attack requires no network connectivity and operates entirely through physical device interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4115 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through Windows Update, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Beyond patching, system administrators should implement USB device control policies that restrict unauthorized USB device connections, particularly in high-security environments. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to defense-in-depth approaches, including kernel-mode exploit detection, memory protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments of physical access controls. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious USB device connections and implementing endpoint detection and response capabilities can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary USB ports or implementing hardware-based USB port controls to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-mode privilege escalation issue places it within the scope of advanced persistent threat mitigation strategies, requiring comprehensive security frameworks that address both network and physical security domains.