CVE-2018-8989 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 0xf1002006.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8989 resides within Windows Master version 7.99.13.604, specifically targeting the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, designed to identify and manage system hardware components. The flaw manifests through insufficient input validation mechanisms within the driver's implementation of IOCtl 0xf1002006, a specific control code used for communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers in Windows operating systems. This particular IOCTL handler represents a critical interface point where unvalidated user input can directly influence kernel execution pathways.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received through the IOCtl 0xf1002006 control code. When local users submit malformed or unexpected input values to this interface, the driver processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or bounds checking. This validation gap creates a potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability, as the kernel-mode driver code lacks proper input boundaries enforcement. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses "Improper Validation of Input" in software systems, specifically highlighting the failure to validate input parameters that could lead to memory corruption or system crashes. The lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate driver behavior through crafted IOCTL requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a potential escalation vector for local privilege escalation attacks. Local users with access to the system can leverage this flaw to trigger a blue screen of death (BSOD) or potentially achieve more severe consequences including system compromise. The BSOD condition occurs when the driver encounters invalid input data that causes kernel memory corruption, leading to system termination. However, the unspecified other impacts suggest potential for more sophisticated exploitation techniques, including privilege escalation or information disclosure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', as local users can potentially exploit this flaw to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability also aligns with T1059, 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as exploitation may involve executing commands through the vulnerable driver interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8989 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the vulnerability exists within a third-party driver component. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and disable unnecessary hardware detection utilities. The recommended approach includes disabling the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver through Windows registry modifications or device manager settings, as well as implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted software components. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual IOCTL activity patterns. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all driver components are properly validated and that input parameters are thoroughly checked for boundary conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms such as Driver Signature Enforcement and Control Flow Guard to provide additional defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation gaps can result in significant security implications.