CVE-2018-10976 in Security Guard
Summary
by MITRE
In 2345 Security Guard 3.7, the driver file (2345BdPcSafe.sys, X64 version) allows local users to cause a denial of service (BSOD) or possibly have unspecified other impact because of not validating input values from IOCTL 0x00222050.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10976 resides within the 2345 Security Guard 3.7 security suite, specifically targeting the kernel-mode driver component 2345BdPcSafe.sys in its x64 architecture version. This flaw manifests as a critical input validation weakness that affects the driver's handling of device control requests, particularly when processing IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command 0x00222050. The issue represents a classic example of inadequate parameter validation in kernel-level software, where the driver fails to properly sanitize or verify input data before processing, creating a potential attack surface for local privilege escalation and system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to validate input parameters received through the specified IOCTL interface, which operates at the kernel level where malicious input can directly impact system stability and security. When a local user submits crafted input data through IOCTL 0x00222050, the driver processes this information without proper validation checks, potentially leading to memory corruption or unexpected behavior within the kernel space. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-707, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a code or command, and specifically relates to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions in kernel drivers. The lack of input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the driver's execution flow and potentially trigger system crashes or more severe consequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that local users might be able to exploit this weakness to achieve additional malicious objectives. The occurrence of bluescreen of death (BSOD) conditions represents a direct denial of service attack that renders the affected system unusable until reboot occurs, while the unspecified other impacts could potentially include privilege escalation opportunities or data integrity violations. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a low-effort method to disrupt system operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system availability is critical. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit this weakness, making it a significant concern for organizations that do not properly segment their user access controls.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and defense evasion. The technique of leveraging kernel-mode vulnerabilities for privilege escalation represents a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass many traditional security controls, as kernel-level access provides extensive system control capabilities. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat modeling efforts, particularly when evaluating the security posture of endpoint protection software. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in kernel-level programming, where even minor oversights can create significant security risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10976 should focus on immediate patching of the 2345 Security Guard 3.7 software to address the driver validation issue. System administrators should ensure that all endpoint protection software is kept current with vendor security patches, as this vulnerability represents a known weakness that can be easily remediated through software updates. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and user segmentation can help limit the potential impact of local exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual system behavior or BSOD occurrences can provide early detection of attempted exploitation. Organizations should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments of their endpoint security solutions to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could create comparable risks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated drivers to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations and avoid introducing new operational issues.