CVE-2018-6774 in Jiangmin
Summary
by MITRE
In Jiangmin Antivirus 16.0.0.100, the driver file (KSysCall.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 0x9A008088.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6774 affects Jiangmin Antivirus version 16.0.0.100 and resides within its kernel-mode driver component known as KSysCall.sys. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's implementation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the driver processes IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests with the control code 0x9A008088, which is a standard mechanism used by Windows kernel-mode drivers to handle device-specific commands from user-mode applications. The absence of proper validation for input parameters creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to disrupt system operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of how insufficient validation of user-supplied data can lead to system instability. When the KSysCall.sys driver receives an IOCTL request with code 0x9A008088, it fails to properly validate the input parameters before processing them, creating a potential for memory corruption or unexpected behavior. This flaw allows local users to craft malicious input that can trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or potentially lead to more severe consequences including privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability exists at the kernel level, meaning any successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Jiangmin Antivirus 16.0.0.100 as their primary endpoint protection solution. Local privilege escalation is a primary concern since the vulnerable driver operates with elevated privileges in kernel mode, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to systems. The denial of service aspect of this vulnerability can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where system availability is critical, as it could be used to disrupt business operations or create opportunities for further attacks. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may also enable additional attack vectors beyond simple system crashes, potentially including information disclosure or privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6774 should prioritize immediate patching of the Jiangmin Antivirus software to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting local user privileges, monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity, and ensuring that endpoint protection software is properly configured to minimize attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel-mode security practices and input validation, as outlined in various security frameworks including the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application protection measures and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security software components. Given the nature of kernel-mode exploits, comprehensive incident response planning should include procedures for handling potential system compromise and recovery from BSOD conditions.