CVE-2017-17469 in Vir.IT eXplorer Lite
Summary
by MITRE
TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite 8.5.42 allows local users to cause a denial of service (BSOD) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a \\.\Viragtlt DeviceIoControl request of 0x82730008, a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-16948.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17469 affects TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite version 8.5.42, representing a critical local privilege escalation and denial of service flaw within the device driver component of this antivirus software. This issue manifests through improper handling of DeviceIoControl requests directed at the \.\Viragtlt device, specifically when processing the ioctl code 0x82730008. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of a kernel-mode buffer overflow or improper input validation that can result in system instability and complete system crashes. The flaw exists within the kernel-level driver interface that allows communication between user-space applications and the system kernel, creating a pathway for malicious code execution or system compromise when exploited by local attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the DeviceIoControl handler routine for the Viragtlt device. When a local user submits a DeviceIoControl request with the specific ioctl code 0x82730008, the driver fails to properly validate the size or content of the input buffer, leading to potential memory corruption within kernel space. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write errors. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is possible, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any local user to potentially gain elevated privileges or cause system crashes. The device driver interface represents a critical attack surface since it provides direct access to kernel memory and system resources, creating opportunities for both denial of service conditions and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17469 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential privilege escalation and persistent system instability. A local attacker can leverage this vulnerability to trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that results in complete system shutdown, effectively causing a denial of service condition that disrupts normal operations and may require system reboot to restore functionality. The vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that exploitation might enable additional malicious activities beyond immediate system crashes, potentially including privilege escalation to SYSTEM level access or information disclosure. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in enterprise environments where local user access might be more prevalent than expected, and where system stability and availability are critical requirements. The flaw's location within the antivirus software's kernel driver indicates that even legitimate security software can contain dangerous vulnerabilities that compromise system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17469 should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of TG Soft Vir.IT eXplorer Lite that addresses this vulnerability, as no official patches were available for this specific flaw at the time of reporting. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for unusual DeviceIoControl activity targeting the Viragtlt device. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1055, which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits, indicates that defensive measures should include monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity and implementing application whitelisting policies. Additionally, network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to minimize the potential impact of local exploitation, while regular system monitoring should be implemented to detect any signs of system instability or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential to conduct thorough security assessments of all antivirus and security software installations to identify similar kernel-mode flaws that could present comparable risks to system integrity and availability.