CVE-2017-17468 in Vir.IT eXplorer Lite
Summary
by MITRE
TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite 8.5.42 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (Arbitrary Write) via a \\.\Viragtlt DeviceIoControl request of 0x82730020, a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-17050.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17468 affects TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite version 8.5.42, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary write operations within the system. This vulnerability manifests through a specific DeviceIoControl request using the ioctl code 0x82730020, which targets the \.\Viragtlt device interface. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with a kernel-mode vulnerability where improper input validation and access control mechanisms allow unauthorized write operations to critical system memory locations or files. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient parameter validation within device drivers, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks that can result in complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a device control interface that lacks proper validation of input parameters. When a local user submits a DeviceIoControl request with the specific ioctl code 0x82730020 to the \.\Viragtlt device, the system processes this request without adequate checks on the input data structure. This absence of input sanitization creates a path where maliciously crafted parameters can be used to write arbitrary data to memory locations that should normally be protected. The vulnerability is classified as an arbitrary write primitive, which represents a fundamental flaw in the driver's security model where write operations are not properly restricted based on user privileges or access rights. This issue falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17468 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and denial of service conditions. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify critical system files, inject malicious code into running processes, or manipulate driver components to gain elevated privileges. The arbitrary write capability allows for sophisticated exploitation techniques including return-oriented programming attacks, heap spraying, or direct memory modification attacks that can bypass modern security mechanisms such as DEP, ASLR, and stack canaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privilege separation is typically enforced, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent system access. This flaw can be exploited to establish backdoors, disable security features, or cause system instability through memory corruption, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17468 require immediate action through software updates and system hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to a patched version of TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite that addresses the improper input validation in the device driver interface. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local user access to system components and monitoring for suspicious DeviceIoControl activity. Additional protective measures include enabling driver signature enforcement, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security audits of installed security software. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can use the arbitrary write capability to modify system components or inject malicious code. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous DeviceIoControl patterns and establish incident response procedures for handling potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper driver security practices and the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel-mode components to prevent similar issues from emerging in security software.