CVE-2018-9004 in Advanced SystemCare Ultimate
Summary
by MITRE
In Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 11.0.1.58, the driver file (Monitor_x86.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 0x9c4060d0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9004 resides within Advanced SystemCare Ultimate version 11.0.1.58 and specifically targets the Monitor_x86.sys driver component. This driver operates at the kernel level and handles input/output control requests through the IOCTL 0x9c4060d0 interface, making it a critical component for system stability and security. The flaw manifests when the driver fails to properly validate input parameters received through this specific IOCTL call, creating a potential attack surface for local adversaries who can manipulate the driver's behavior through crafted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the kernel-mode driver. When a local user submits malicious input to the IOCTL 0x9c4060d0 interface, the driver processes these parameters without sufficient sanitization or verification checks. This lack of validation allows attackers to potentially trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other exploitable conditions that can lead to system instability. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector means that an attacker with limited user access can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code at kernel level, potentially compromising the entire system. According to CWE standards, this represents a weakness categorized under CWE-129, which deals with insufficient input validation, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9004 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more severe system compromise scenarios. A successful exploitation can result in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) conditions that render the system unusable until reboot, causing significant disruption to users and potentially creating opportunities for persistent access. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that beyond immediate system instability, attackers might be able to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or manipulate system resources in ways that could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is installed, making it a target for attackers seeking to establish persistent footholds or conduct further reconnaissance within compromised environments. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this is a kernel-mode vulnerability, meaning that successful exploitation can bypass many standard user-mode protections and security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of Advanced SystemCare Ultimate where the driver validation issues have been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameter checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement regular patch management procedures to ensure all system components receive timely security updates. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing kernel-mode protection mechanisms such as Driver Signature Enforcement and Windows Defender Application Control to prevent unauthorized driver loading. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion, making it important for security teams to monitor for suspicious driver activity and implement proper access controls to limit local user capabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough input validation in kernel-mode drivers, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments of system components that operate with elevated privileges.