CVE-2018-9046 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 0xf100282d.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9046 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, where the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component exhibits insufficient input validation mechanisms. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, creating a potential attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise system stability. The vulnerability manifests through the IOCTL (Input/Output Control) function with the specific code 0xf100282d, which governs communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers. When this particular IOCTL is invoked without proper validation of input parameters, it creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical flaw stems from the driver's failure to validate data structures and parameter values received through the IOCTL interface, making it susceptible to malformed input that can trigger unexpected behavior within the kernel space. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, Input Validation, and CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write, as the driver does not properly sanitize inputs before processing them. The lack of proper input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures or trigger buffer overflows that can result in system crashes or potentially more severe consequences. The vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as local users can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the potential for unspecified other impacts suggests that local users may be able to achieve privilege escalation or execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. A blue screen of death (BSOD) represents the most immediate consequence, rendering the system unusable and requiring manual intervention for recovery. However, the unspecified nature of additional impacts indicates that attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access or perform more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows Master software and requires local system access to exploit, making it particularly concerning for environments where user privileges are not properly restricted. The attack surface is limited to systems with the vulnerable driver installed, but the potential for privilege escalation makes it a significant concern for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9046 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as network segmentation to limit local user access to systems running vulnerable software. System administrators should implement proper access controls and user privilege management to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in kernel-mode drivers, as highlighted in the CWE guidelines for secure software development. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other third-party software components and maintain updated threat intelligence to detect exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing monitoring for suspicious IOCTL calls and system calls that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those involving hardware detection drivers. Regular system updates and patch management programs should prioritize vulnerabilities affecting kernel-mode drivers due to their potential for system compromise and privilege escalation.