CVE-2018-6781 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 0x9A008264.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6781 resides within Jiangmin Antivirus version 16.0.0.100, specifically within its kernel-mode driver component known as KSysCall.sys. This driver operates at the highest privilege level within the operating system, making it a critical component that requires robust input validation mechanisms. The flaw manifests through improper handling of input values received via IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command 0x9A008264, which is a standard Windows mechanism used for device control operations. When a local user submits malformed or unvalidated input parameters to this specific IOCTL handler, the driver fails to properly validate the incoming data before processing it, creating a potential exploitation vector.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of kernel-mode exploitation and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation. According to CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," this weakness occurs when a system does not validate or incorrectly validates input data, leading to potential system instability or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability allows for a local privilege escalation scenario where an attacker with user-level access can manipulate the driver's behavior to trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or potentially achieve other unspecified impacts. The lack of input validation creates a pathway for malicious input to traverse into the kernel space, where it can cause unpredictable system behavior and potentially compromise the entire operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a significant security risk for systems running the affected antivirus software. Local users who can submit crafted IOCTL requests can potentially cause system crashes, leading to availability disruption, or in more severe cases, may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," as it allows local users to leverage driver-level weaknesses to gain elevated system privileges. The presence of such a flaw in antivirus software is particularly concerning because these applications typically run with high privileges and are trusted by the operating system to manage critical system functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6781 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Jiangmin Antivirus that properly validates all input parameters received through IOCTL handlers. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary driver interfaces and monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel-mode security testing and proper input validation practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of potentially vulnerable driver components and regularly audit system driver configurations to ensure only legitimate security software operates with kernel-level privileges.