CVE-2017-16550 in K7
Summary
by MITRE
K7 Antivirus Premium before 15.1.0.53 allows local users to write to arbitrary memory locations, and consequently gain privileges, via a specific set of IOCTL calls.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
CVE-2017-16550 represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability affecting K7 Antivirus Premium versions prior to 15.1.0.53. This vulnerability resides within the kernel-mode drivers of the antivirus software, specifically manifesting through improper input validation during IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command processing. The flaw enables local attackers with standard user privileges to manipulate memory locations directly through crafted IOCTL sequences, bypassing normal security boundaries that typically protect system-level operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and parameter validation within the driver's IOCTL handling mechanism. When legitimate IOCTL calls are processed, the driver fails to properly validate input parameters, allowing maliciously constructed data to overwrite arbitrary memory locations. This memory corruption occurs in kernel space, where the privilege level is elevated, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read scenarios that can lead to privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to system integrity and confidentiality. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to elevate their privileges from standard user to SYSTEM level, effectively gaining complete control over the affected system. Once escalated, attackers can access sensitive data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who have already compromised a system through other means or who have legitimate access to the target machine. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage for execution.
The exploitation process typically involves crafting specific IOCTL calls that manipulate driver interfaces to trigger the memory corruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass traditional security controls including user access controls, file permissions, and application whitelisting systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures if exploited on domain-joined systems where elevated privileges could enable lateral movement and further compromise of network resources. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement additional monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity in kernel-mode drivers to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch for K7 Antivirus Premium version 15.1.0.53 or later, along with comprehensive system hardening measures. System administrators should implement principle of least privilege configurations, disable unnecessary kernel-mode driver interfaces, and monitor for anomalous IOCTL usage patterns. Additionally, endpoint detection and response solutions should be configured to alert on suspicious driver behavior, particularly focusing on memory manipulation activities and privilege escalation attempts. Regular security assessments of antivirus and security software should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security tools that may pose similar risks to system integrity.