CVE-2017-9770 in Synapse
Summary
by MITRE
A specially crafted IOCTL can be issued to the rzpnk.sys driver in Razer Synapse that can cause an out of bounds read operation to occur due to a field within the IOCTL data being used as a length.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9770 resides within the rzpnk.sys kernel driver component of Razer Synapse software, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized code execution through improper input validation. This driver operates at kernel level within the Windows operating system, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted IOCTL (Input/Output Control) request is sent to the driver, exploiting a flaw in how the driver processes user-supplied data structures. The technical implementation involves a specific field within the IOCTL data structure that is directly used as a length parameter without proper bounds checking, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to read memory beyond allocated buffers.
The core technical flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input parameters within the kernel driver's processing logic. When the rzpnk.sys driver receives an IOCTL request, it utilizes a field from the input data structure as the length parameter for memory operations. This field, which should be validated against legitimate buffer boundaries, is instead accepted as-is and used directly in memory access operations. This pattern aligns with CWE-129, Input Validation, and CWE-131, Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size, which are fundamental weaknesses in data processing that lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the length field to cause the driver to read beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents or causing system instability through information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. Since the rzpnk.sys driver operates with kernel-level privileges, successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, effectively bypassing standard security controls. The vulnerability affects systems running Razer Synapse software where the rzpnk.sys driver is installed, typically impacting gaming computers and workstations where Razer peripherals are utilized. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The out-of-bounds read operation can expose kernel memory addresses, sensitive data, or system configuration information that could be used to further exploit the system or conduct advanced persistent threats. This vulnerability particularly affects the ATT&CK technique T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, by enabling attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9770 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of Razer Synapse software where the vulnerability has been patched, as the official fix addresses the improper input validation by implementing proper bounds checking on the IOCTL data fields. System administrators should also implement runtime protections such as kernel-mode exploit protection, driver signature enforcement, and application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized driver loading. Additional security controls include disabling unnecessary Razer services and drivers when not actively in use, monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity through endpoint detection and response tools, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. Organizations should also consider deploying kernel integrity protection mechanisms and regularly auditing system drivers to ensure no unauthorized modifications have occurred, as the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-level code and aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions.