CVE-2018-8992 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 0xf1002005.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8992 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, where the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component fails to properly validate input parameters received through IOCTL 0xf1002005. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, designed to interact with system hardware components and collect diagnostic information. The flaw manifests when the driver processes user-mode requests without adequate input sanitization, creating a potential attack surface that can be exploited by local malicious actors. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can directly impact system stability and security posture. This issue represents a classic example of improper input validation, which falls under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The driver's failure to validate parameters means that malicious input can cause unpredictable behavior within the kernel space, potentially leading to system crashes or other unauthorized operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local user crafts malicious input parameters and sends them to the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver through the specific IOCTL interface. The IOCTL code 0xf1002005 acts as a communication channel between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers, and the lack of proper validation means that malformed or unexpected input values can trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other undefined behaviors. When the driver processes these unvalidated inputs, it can cause the Windows kernel to become unstable, resulting in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or system crash. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the vulnerability could potentially allow for privilege escalation or information disclosure depending on how the kernel handles the corrupted state. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector is supported by the fact that kernel-mode code execution can occur when input validation fails, providing attackers with elevated system access. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055, "Process Injection," and the broader category of kernel exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8992 presents significant risks to system availability and stability, particularly in enterprise environments where optimization tools are commonly deployed. Organizations using Windows Master software may experience unexpected system crashes, leading to productivity loss and potential data integrity issues. The vulnerability's local nature means that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it, making it a concern for both internal threat actors and compromised accounts. In addition to the immediate denial of service effects, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain, where initial access is gained through other means and this vulnerability is used to escalate privileges or establish persistence. The presence of such a vulnerability in widely-used optimization software increases the attack surface for malicious actors targeting Windows environments. System administrators should consider the potential for this vulnerability to be combined with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack scenarios, particularly in environments where multiple optimization tools are present. The vulnerability's impact on system stability makes it particularly concerning for mission-critical systems where uptime and reliability are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8992 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution is to update to a newer version of Windows Master that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to properly validate input parameters for IOCTL 0xf1002005. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized software, particularly optimization tools that may contain similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should consider disabling or removing the problematic driver if it is not essential for system operations, though this may impact legitimate system monitoring functions. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, ensuring that even if one system is compromised, the attacker cannot easily move laterally through the network. Regular security assessments should include scanning for outdated optimization software that may contain similar vulnerabilities, as this class of issue is common in third-party system utilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and serves as a reminder that third-party software integration requires careful security evaluation. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and monitoring for abnormal system behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. Given the ATT&CK framework classification, security teams should also develop detection rules that monitor for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.