CVE-2018-6630 in Proactive Defense Software
Summary
by MITRE
In Micropoint proactive defense software 2.0.20266.0146, the driver file (mp110005.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 0x8000014c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6630 resides within the Micropoint proactive defense software version 2.0.20266.0146, specifically within its kernel-mode driver component mp110005.sys. This driver operates at the highest privilege level within the Windows operating system, making it a critical component that requires rigorous security validation. The flaw manifests through improper input validation mechanisms when processing IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests, particularly for the specific IOCTL code 0x8000014c. This particular IOCTL interface serves as a communication channel between user-mode applications and the kernel-mode driver, enabling administrative functions and system-level operations. The absence of input validation for this specific IOCTL code creates a pathway for malicious or unintended input data to be processed without proper sanitization, potentially leading to system instability and unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when local users submit malformed or unexpected input parameters to the IOCTL 0x8000014c interface. This lack of validation allows attackers to craft specific input sequences that can trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other memory-related issues within the driver's processing routines. The most immediate and observable impact is the occurrence of a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), which represents a system-level crash that halts all operations and forces system reboot. However, the vulnerability's potential extends beyond simple denial of service, as the unspecified other impacts could include privilege escalation to kernel mode, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. This represents a significant security risk since kernel-mode code operates with complete system access and can bypass all user-mode security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to organizations relying on Micropoint's proactive defense software, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled. The local nature of the exploit means that any user with access to the system can potentially trigger the vulnerability, making it a vector for both accidental system crashes and deliberate attacks. The BSOD impact creates immediate availability issues that can disrupt business operations, while the potential for privilege escalation opens the door to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation in kernel-mode drivers can lead to catastrophic system failures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges, and potentially T1059 for command execution if privilege escalation occurs.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6630 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The most effective approach involves patching the software to version 2.0.20266.0147 or later, which contains proper input validation mechanisms for the affected IOCTL interface. Organizations should also implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling unnecessary driver interfaces and implementing kernel-mode driver integrity checks to prevent exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of driver integrity, particularly for security software components that operate at kernel level. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when such validation is omitted in security-critical software. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and block suspicious driver behavior patterns, providing an additional layer of defense against similar vulnerabilities in other security software components.