CVE-2018-9047 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 0xf1002841.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9047 resides within Windows Master version 7.99.13.604, specifically within the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, designed to identify and manage hardware components on Windows systems. The flaw manifests through inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver's handling of IOCTL (Input/Output Control) requests, particularly when processing the specific control code 0xf1002841. This particular IOCTL interface represents a critical point of entry where user-mode applications can communicate with the kernel-mode driver, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit to manipulate system behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters received through the IOCTL 0xf1002841 interface. When a local user submits malformed or unexpected input values to this control code, the driver processes these inputs without sufficient sanitization or bounds checking. This validation gap creates a condition where maliciously crafted input can cause the driver to behave unpredictably, leading to system instability. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as the description indicates potential for unspecified other impacts that could include privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within kernel space. This represents a classic example of a buffer overflow or input validation vulnerability that can be leveraged to compromise system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to local users who may exploit it for various malicious purposes. The fact that it enables a blue screen of death (BSOD) demonstrates its ability to cause system crashes and denial of service conditions that can disrupt normal operations. However, the unspecified other impacts suggest that this vulnerability might also provide opportunities for more sophisticated attacks, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. The local privilege requirement means that while the attack vector is accessible to users with standard system access, it still requires someone with legitimate login credentials to execute the exploit. This limitation somewhat reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely, particularly in environments where local access is readily available.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and represents a classic case of improper input validation in kernel-mode drivers. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under privilege escalation techniques, specifically through driver-based attacks that leverage kernel-mode weaknesses. The lack of proper input validation creates an entry point for attackers to manipulate system behavior and potentially gain elevated privileges. Organizations should consider implementing defensive measures such as driver signature enforcement, kernel-mode protection mechanisms, and regular security updates to mitigate exposure to this vulnerability. Additionally, the incident highlights the importance of proper input validation in all driver components and underscores the necessity of thorough security testing for kernel-mode software to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of optimization software.
The remediation approach should focus on patching the affected Windows Master software to version 7.99.13.605 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual IOCTL activity patterns and consider restricting local user access to potentially vulnerable system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular security assessments of third-party software components that integrate with core operating system functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized driver installations and ensure that only verified, secure drivers operate within their systems.