CVE-2018-3989 in WibuKey.sys
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable kernel memory disclosure vulnerability exists in the 0x8200E804 IOCTL handler functionality of WIBU-SYSTEMS WibuKey.sys Version 6.40 (Build 2400).A specially crafted IRP request can cause the driver to return uninitialized memory, resulting in kernel memory disclosure. An attacker can send an IRP request to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3989 represents a critical kernel memory disclosure flaw within the WIBU-SYSTEMS WibuKey.sys driver version 6.40 build 2400. This issue manifests through the 0x8200E804 IOCTL handler functionality, which serves as a communication interface between user-mode applications and the kernel-mode driver component. The vulnerability stems from improper memory initialization within the driver's handling of input/output control requests, specifically when processing IRP (I/O Request Packet) structures that contain maliciously crafted data. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the driver's behavior through carefully constructed IOCTL calls, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory contents to user-mode processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of IRP requests sent to the affected driver interface. When the WibuKey.sys driver receives an IRP request containing the specific 0x8200E804 IOCTL code, the driver fails to properly initialize memory buffers before returning data to the requesting process. This improper initialization results in the return of uninitialized kernel memory contents, which may contain sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, system pointers, or other confidential data structures. The vulnerability is classified as a memory disclosure issue under CWE-248, which specifically addresses the exposure of uninitialized memory, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.002 for OS credential dumping through kernel memory access. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or memory management vulnerability where the driver does not adequately validate or initialize memory before data return operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked kernel memory could contain critical system information that aids in further exploitation attempts. Attackers can leverage this memory disclosure to gain insights into kernel memory layout, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as kernel address space layout randomization (ASLR) bypass techniques or information leakage attacks that could compromise system security. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific WibuKey.sys driver version, particularly those utilizing WibuKey hardware protection solutions, which are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for software licensing and protection. The exposure of kernel memory contents creates a significant risk for systems where sensitive data might be present in uninitialized memory regions, potentially leading to credential theft, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3989 should prioritize immediate driver version updates from WIBU-SYSTEMS to address the memory initialization flaw. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring for IOCTL operations involving the affected driver interface, particularly focusing on unusual or unauthorized IRP request patterns. The implementation of kernel-mode driver signing requirements and runtime protection mechanisms such as Windows Kernel Mode Code Signing and Control Flow Guard can help prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and limiting access to systems with the vulnerable driver can reduce the attack surface. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running the affected driver version and implement patch management processes to ensure all instances are updated. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper memory management practices in kernel-mode drivers and underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing of system drivers before deployment in production environments.