CVE-2018-9007 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 0x9c4060c4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9007 resides within Advanced SystemCare Ultimate version 11.0.1.58 and specifically targets the Monitor_x86.sys driver component. This driver file operates at the kernel level and handles input/output control requests through the IOCTL 0x9c4060c4 interface, which serves as a communication channel between user-mode applications and the kernel-mode driver. The flaw manifests in the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received through this specific IOCTL command, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by local adversaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions, as the driver's inadequate input validation could lead to memory corruption. When malicious input is passed through the IOCTL 0x9c4060c4 interface, the driver processes these values without sufficient sanitization, potentially causing the system to execute unintended operations or access invalid memory locations. This processing error directly results in the operating system's kernel becoming unstable and ultimately leading to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the unspecified other impacts referenced in the CVE description suggest potential for more severe consequences. Local attackers with standard user privileges can leverage this flaw to crash the system, rendering it unusable until a reboot occurs. The vulnerability's location within a system optimization tool makes it particularly concerning because such software often runs with elevated privileges and is frequently installed on systems where users may not be aware of the underlying security implications. This local privilege escalation potential, while not explicitly stated, represents a significant concern as the driver's functionality typically requires system-level access.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited through local system access, making it a prime candidate for persistent threat actors who seek to establish footholds on compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation would likely involve crafting specific input data structures that, when passed through the IOCTL interface, trigger memory corruption within the driver's processing logic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the Advanced SystemCare Ultimate software to version 11.0.1.58 or later, where the input validation issues have been addressed. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include restricting local user privileges where possible, implementing driver signature enforcement, and conducting regular security assessments of system optimization tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers, as even minor oversights in parameter validation can result in complete system compromise and highlights the necessity of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards.