CVE-2018-8895 in Security Guard
Summary
by MITRE
In 2345 Security Guard 3.6, the driver file (2345DumpBlock.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 0x00222040.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8895 resides within the 2345 Security Guard 3.6 security software suite, specifically affecting the kernel-mode driver component known as 2345DumpBlock.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 within the driver's handling of IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests, specifically targeting the control code 0x00222040. The vulnerability represents a classic example of inadequate parameter validation in kernel-mode drivers, which can lead to severe system instability and potential security compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to validate input parameters received through the specified IOCTL interface. When a local user submits crafted input data to the IOCTL 0x00222040 control code, the driver processes this information without adequate sanitization or bounds checking. This lack of validation creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system crash conditions within the kernel space. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, both of which can be exploited through improper input validation in kernel drivers. The absence of proper input validation allows malicious or malformed data to traverse the driver's security boundaries and potentially corrupt kernel memory structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable local privilege escalation or system compromise. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) condition represents the most immediate consequence, where the system becomes completely unusable due to kernel-level corruption. However, the unspecified other impacts suggest that more sophisticated exploitation techniques might be possible, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Windows operating systems where the 2345 Security Guard software is installed, creating a persistent threat vector for local attackers who can leverage this weakness to gain elevated system access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as the local user can potentially leverage this weakness to elevate their privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8895 should focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of 2345 Security Guard where the driver input validation has been properly implemented and tested. System administrators should also consider implementing kernel-mode driver signature enforcement policies to prevent unauthorized or vulnerable drivers from loading into the system. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual IOCTL activity patterns and implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components, aligning with security best practices outlined in the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle and other industry standards for secure coding practices in operating system drivers.