CVE-2017-17113 in anti.virus
Summary
by MITRE
ntguard_x64.sys 0.18780.0.0 in IKARUS anti.virus 2.16.15 has a NULL pointer dereference via a 0x830000c4 DeviceIoControl request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17113 affects the ntguard_x64.sys kernel driver component within IKARUS anti.virus version 2.16.15. This driver serves as a critical security component responsible for protecting systems against malware and other malicious threats through kernel-level monitoring and protection mechanisms. The specific flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when processing DeviceIoControl requests with the ioctl code 0x830000c4. This particular device control code represents a specific interface method that allows user-mode applications to communicate with the kernel driver, making it a prime target for exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel driver's handling of the DeviceIoControl request. When a malicious application or attacker sends a crafted DeviceIoControl request with the specified ioctl code, the driver fails to properly validate the input parameters before attempting to dereference a pointer that may be NULL. This NULL pointer dereference represents a classic software flaw that can lead to system instability, crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context and privileges involved. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, which means any successful exploitation could result in privilege escalation or system compromise, making it particularly dangerous from a security perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it creates potential attack vectors that could be leveraged by malicious actors. The NULL pointer dereference could be exploited to cause a denial of service condition that renders the anti-virus protection ineffective, leaving systems vulnerable to malware attacks. Additionally, since this vulnerability exists within a kernel driver component, successful exploitation might enable attackers to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, or even execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where IKARUS anti.virus is deployed, as it could compromise the integrity of the entire security infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference issues in software development, highlighting the fundamental programming error that leads to this condition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17113 should focus on immediate patching of the IKARUS anti.virus software to the latest version that contains the fix for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of DeviceIoControl calls to the affected driver to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments should verify that the updated driver is properly installed and functioning correctly. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in kernel-mode drivers, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 that covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code that might attempt to exploit this vulnerability, and maintain regular updates to ensure all security patches are applied across the enterprise environment.