CVE-2018-9045 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 0xf1002849.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9045 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, and represents a critical security flaw in the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, yet it fails to properly validate input parameters received through a specific IOCTL (Input/Output Control) command. The affected IOCTL code 0xf1002849 operates as a communication interface between user-mode applications and kernel-mode driver components, creating a potential attack surface where malformed input data can be exploited to compromise system stability and security.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's handling of IOCTL requests. When a local user submits crafted input data through the specified IOCTL command, the driver processes these parameters without sufficient sanitization or bounds checking. This absence of proper validation creates a condition where malicious or malformed input can cause the driver to execute unintended code paths, leading to system instability. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can potentially result in system crashes resulting in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) conditions, while also presenting possibilities for more severe consequences including privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within kernel space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system integrity and availability within environments where Windows Master software is deployed. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this flaw to disrupt system operations, potentially causing service interruptions that affect productivity and business continuity. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any user with access to the system. The vulnerability's presence in a system optimization tool further compounds the risk, as such software is often installed with elevated privileges and may have extensive system access capabilities, potentially allowing for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input ranges, and CWE-131, which covers improper handling of buffer size. Additionally, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or uninstalling the vulnerable Windows Master software until patches are available, implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of malicious payloads, and conducting thorough system audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous IOCTL activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing user access controls to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential threat actors.