CVE-2018-8904 in Windows Master
Summary
by MITRE
In Windows Master (aka Windows Optimization Master) 7.99.13.604, the driver file (WoptiHWDetect.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 0xf1002000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8904 resides within Windows Master version 7.99.13.604, specifically within the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, designed to identify and manage hardware components on Windows systems. The flaw manifests in the driver's insufficient input validation mechanisms when processing IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests, particularly those associated with the specific control code 0xf1002000. This represents a critical security oversight that exposes the system to potential exploitation by local attackers who possess minimal privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received through the IOCTL interface. When the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver receives a request with control code 0xf1002000, it processes the input data without adequate sanitization or bounds checking. This lack of validation creates a pathway for malicious input to cause the operating system to execute unintended code paths, ultimately leading to system instability. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" or CWE-707 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation," depending on the specific input manipulation technique employed by the attacker.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system availability and stability. Local users can exploit this flaw to trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), effectively causing a system crash and denial of service condition. The impact extends beyond simple disruption, as the vulnerability may potentially allow for more severe consequences including privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific manipulation techniques used. The fact that this vulnerability exists within a system optimization tool adds particular concern since such software often runs with elevated privileges and has extensive system access capabilities.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively narrow but significant, as it requires local system access to exploit effectively. However, given that many optimization tools run with administrative privileges, the potential for escalation exists. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Port Enumeration" and related privilege escalation methods. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper kernel-mode driver validation and input sanitization practices. The flaw represents a classic example of how insufficient validation in system-level components can create severe operational risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8904 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor updates and patches. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of Windows Master or removing the software entirely if it is not essential for operations. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual BSOD events and consider disabling the affected driver if possible. Additionally, defensive measures should include regular security assessments of third-party system optimization tools, particularly those that interact with kernel-mode components. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security testing of all driver components, especially those with broad system access permissions.