CVE-2015-1438 in Kernel Memory Access Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Panda Security Kernel Memory Access Driver 1.0.0.13 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges via a crafted size input for allocated kernel paged pool and allocated non-paged pool buffers.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1438 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Panda Security Kernel Memory Access Driver version 1.0.0.13. This flaw exists in the kernel-mode component responsible for memory access operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the driver's handling of allocated kernel paged pool and non-paged pool buffers, where improper input validation leads to memory corruption. The attack vector requires an attacker to craft a malicious input with a specific size that triggers the buffer overflow condition in the kernel memory management subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the kernel driver's memory allocation and management functions. When the driver processes crafted input data, it fails to properly validate the size parameter before allocating memory buffers in either paged or non-paged pool regions. This oversight allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in kernel space, potentially corrupting critical data structures or executing arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The heap-based nature of the overflow indicates that the vulnerability occurs during dynamic memory allocation operations where the driver manages memory blocks in the kernel heap. The flaw falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions in heap-based memory management systems, and specifically aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions in heap memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities through kernel-level privilege escalation. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively granting them unrestricted access to the entire system. This includes the ability to modify system files, install malicious software, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially access sensitive data without detection. The attack requires minimal user interaction since it operates at the kernel level where normal user-mode protections do not apply. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability represents a highly valuable target in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation tactic, specifically leveraging kernel-mode exploits to gain system-level control. The vulnerability affects systems running the vulnerable Panda Security driver version, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where security software is widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1438 focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to the patched version of Panda Security's kernel memory access driver that addresses the buffer overflow conditions through proper input validation and bounds checking. Organizations should implement strict patch management protocols to ensure all systems running vulnerable software are updated promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and driver signature enforcement. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel-mode drivers, particularly the need for comprehensive input validation and memory management routines. From a defensive standpoint, monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity and implementing robust endpoint protection solutions can help detect exploitation attempts. The security community should also consider the broader implications for kernel-mode driver security and the necessity of regular security assessments of third-party kernel components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other security software products.