CVE-2018-8995 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 0xf1002002.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8995 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, where the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component exhibits critical input validation deficiencies. This driver operates at the kernel level and interfaces with user-mode applications through Windows I/O Control codes, making it a prime target for privilege escalation and system instability attacks. The specific IOCTL code 0xf1002002 represents a critical weakness in the driver's handling of user-supplied data, as it fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them within the kernel space.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that allow malicious or malformed data to be passed directly to kernel functions without adequate sanitization. When the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver receives input through IOCTL 0xf1002002, it processes these parameters without sufficient bounds checking or type validation, creating opportunities for buffer overflows, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input ranges, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. The lack of proper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as local users with minimal privileges can trigger system instability leading to blue screen of death (BSOD) scenarios that effectively disable system functionality. The potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that the vulnerability may enable more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation to kernel mode, allowing attackers to bypass security controls or execute malicious code with system-level privileges. This represents a significant concern for enterprise environments where local user access may be more prevalent than expected, and the vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain leading to complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which involves the exploitation of local system privileges, and potentially T1059, involving the execution of malicious code through system utilities or drivers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8995 should focus on immediate driver updates from the vendor, though given the nature of the vulnerability, complete patching may require complete removal of the problematic software from affected systems. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, kernel debugging and monitoring tools should be deployed to detect abnormal memory access patterns or unexpected BSOD conditions that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that prevent execution of unauthorized kernel drivers and maintain regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other system components. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system-level software components.