CVE-2017-14965 in anti.virus
Summary
by MITRE
In IKARUS anti.virus before 2.16.18, the ntguard.sys driver contains an Arbitrary Write vulnerability because of not validating input values from IOCtl 0x830000cc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14965 resides within the ntguard.sys driver component of IKARUS anti.virus software prior to version 2.16.18. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the kernel-mode driver interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests through IOCTL command 0x830000cc which handles user-mode to kernel-mode communication, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate driver behavior through crafted input parameters. The absence of proper validation allows for arbitrary memory write operations that can be exploited to overwrite critical system memory locations.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of "Out-of-bounds Write" and represents a classic kernel-mode privilege escalation vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities to gain system-level privileges. The ntguard.sys driver operates at the highest privilege level within the Windows kernel, making any write vulnerability within its code particularly dangerous as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory locations that control critical system functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system takeover capabilities. Attackers can leverage this arbitrary write condition to modify kernel data structures, inject malicious code into protected memory regions, or manipulate system call tables to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since the driver itself operates with elevated permissions, making it particularly attractive for attackers seeking to establish persistent backdoors or escalate their access within compromised systems. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in anti-virus software creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can target security tools themselves, potentially disabling or bypassing protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14965 require immediate patch application to IKARUS anti.virus versions 2.16.18 and later, which address the input validation issues within the ntguard.sys driver. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including kernel-mode driver signature enforcement, application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious driver activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of device drivers. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions to detect anomalous driver behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all security software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.