CVE-2018-5079 in K7
Summary
by MITRE
In K7 AntiVirus 15.1.0306, the driver file (K7FWHlpr.sys) allows local users to cause a denial of service (BSOD) or possibly have unspecified other impact because of not validating input values from IOCtl 0x83002130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5079 resides within K7 AntiVirus version 15.1.0306, specifically within its kernel-mode driver component K7FWHlpr.sys. This driver exposes a critical security flaw through improper input validation mechanisms when processing IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests with the specific code 0x83002130. The flaw represents a classic example of insufficient validation of user-supplied data, which is a fundamental weakness in system security architecture that can lead to severe operational consequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received through the specified IOCTL interface. When local users submit crafted input values to the IOCTL 0x83002130 handler, the driver processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or bounds checking. This lack of input validation creates a pathway for exploitation that can result in system instability. The vulnerability manifests as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) condition, which represents a denial of service attack that completely halts system operation and requires manual intervention to restore functionality. The unspecified nature of potential additional impacts suggests that this vulnerability may serve as a vector for more sophisticated attacks beyond simple system disruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running the affected K7 AntiVirus version, particularly in enterprise environments where system stability and uptime are critical. The local privilege requirement means that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, but the potential for causing system crashes and subsequent service disruption makes it particularly dangerous in environments where automated systems or critical infrastructure depend on continuous operation. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as the BSOD condition can potentially mask other underlying system issues or provide opportunities for privilege escalation attacks if not properly addressed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input boundaries, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in kernel-mode driver development.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and denial of service. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices that violate fundamental security principles established in standards such as the Common Weakness Enumeration and the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment, particularly focusing on kernel-mode driver security and the principle of input validation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected K7 AntiVirus version, implementation of proper input validation procedures in driver development, and enhanced monitoring for system instability patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and the potential for seemingly minor implementation flaws to result in significant system compromise.