CVE-2018-9052 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 0xf100283c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9052 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, where the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component exhibits insufficient input validation mechanisms. This driver operates at kernel level within the Windows operating system, making it a critical component that directly interfaces with hardware detection functionality. The flaw manifests through the IOCtl 0xf100283c control code, which serves as the primary communication channel between user-mode applications and the kernel-mode driver. When this specific control code receives malformed or unvalidated input parameters, the driver fails to properly validate these inputs before processing them, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by local malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization within the driver's handling of the specified IOCtl code. According to CWE-20 standards, this represents a classic input validation flaw where the driver does not adequately check the legitimacy of data received through the control interface. The absence of bounds checking, parameter validation, and proper error handling mechanisms allows malicious input to traverse the driver's processing pipeline unimpeded. When the driver encounters unexpected or malformed data structures, it can lead to memory corruption issues, invalid memory access patterns, or other unstable conditions that ultimately result in system crashes. The vulnerability's classification as a potential denial of service condition indicates that the system will likely experience a blue screen of death (BSOD) when the driver processes the malicious input, effectively rendering the system unusable until a reboot occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system disruption to potentially encompass more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. Local attackers who can execute code with sufficient privileges can leverage this flaw to either induce system crashes at will or potentially escalate their privileges through more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The driver's role in hardware detection means that successful exploitation could affect system stability during critical hardware enumeration processes, potentially interfering with legitimate system operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and system resource hijacking, as it provides a pathway for local users to manipulate kernel-level components. The impact assessment must consider that any application or user process that communicates with this specific driver interface could potentially trigger the vulnerability, making it a widespread concern across all system components that rely on hardware detection services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9052 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates. System administrators should implement the latest security updates provided by the software vendor, as these typically include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles can limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting local user access to the vulnerable driver interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the affected system components. The implementation of application whitelisting policies can further protect against exploitation by preventing unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code that might attempt to leverage this vulnerability. Regular system monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify unusual patterns of driver communication or system instability that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent malicious input processing within kernel-mode drivers. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation during system boot processes or hardware detection routines, so continuous monitoring of these specific system activities becomes crucial for early detection of potential attacks.