CVE-2018-10977 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 0x002220E4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10977 affects the 2345 Security Guard 3.7 software suite, specifically targeting the kernel-mode driver component known as 2345BdPcSafe.sys in its X64 architecture version. This security flaw resides within the device driver's handling of input validation for a specific IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command designated by the code 0x002220E4. The issue manifests as a critical security weakness that could be exploited by local attackers to disrupt system operations and potentially compromise system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the driver's IOCTL handling mechanism. When the driver receives a request through IOCTL 0x002220E4, it fails to properly validate the data parameters provided by the caller, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious input to bypass normal security checks. This lack of proper validation creates a pathway for attackers to craft specially crafted input values that can trigger unexpected behavior within the kernel space. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses issues where software does not properly validate input data before processing it.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, presenting a significant risk to system stability and security. Local users with access to the system can potentially trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) by sending malformed input to the vulnerable driver, resulting in system crashes and forced reboots that disrupt normal operations. Beyond the immediate denial of service effect, the vulnerability may enable more severe consequences including privilege escalation opportunities or arbitrary code execution within kernel space, as noted by the "possibly have unspecified other impact" description in the original CVE record. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that local users already possess the necessary access level to exploit this condition, making it a low-barrier attack vector.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of kernel-mode exploitation risks that can lead to complete system compromise. The presence of such flaws in security software creates a dangerous paradox where defensive tools become potential attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) demonstrates how these driver-level weaknesses can be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including driver signature enforcement, system hardening measures, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation approaches should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of 2345 Security Guard that addresses this specific vulnerability, as vendors typically release patches that include proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing driver whitelisting policies and disabling unnecessary driver interfaces to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity and implementing kernel-mode protection mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel drivers and serves as a reminder that even security tools can contain exploitable weaknesses that require continuous assessment and updating.