CVE-2018-9051 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 0xf1002021.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9051 affects Windows Master software version 7.99.13.604, specifically targeting the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This represents a critical security flaw that arises from insufficient input validation within the driver's handling of IOCTL (Input/Output Control) operations. The affected IOCTL code 0xf1002021 processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization or validation checks, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. The driver operates at kernel level within the Windows operating system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can directly impact system stability and security posture.
The technical flaw stems from the driver's failure to validate input parameters received through the specific IOCTL interface. When local users submit crafted input data to the IOCTL 0xf1002021 handler, the driver processes these values without adequate bounds checking or data type verification. This validation gap allows attackers to potentially manipulate memory structures or trigger unexpected behavior within the kernel space. The vulnerability manifests as either a system crash resulting in Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or more concerning unspecified impacts that could include privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution, or information disclosure. The lack of input sanitization creates multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Windows Master software is deployed. Local privilege escalation remains a primary concern, as attackers with minimal system access could potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges. The denial of service aspect creates operational disruptions that could affect business continuity, particularly in environments where system uptime is critical. The unspecified additional impacts suggest potential for more severe consequences including persistent system compromise or data integrity violations. Organizations running affected versions face increased risk of system instability and potential security breaches, especially when considering that local users often have legitimate access to systems but may not be properly monitored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9051 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as this vulnerability directly relates to improper input validation practices that align with CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow). System administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity and consider restricting local user privileges where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1499 (Endpoint Denial of Service) tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode exploit prevention mechanisms, enabling driver signature enforcement, and conducting regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit local access and implement privileged access management controls to minimize potential exploitation risks.