CVE-2018-9053 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 0xf10026cc.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9053 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, where the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component exhibits insecure handling of input validation during IOCTL (Input/Output Control) operations. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, designed to identify and manage various hardware components on Windows systems. The flaw manifests when the driver receives input data through IOCTL code 0xf10026cc, which is a custom control code used for communication between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers. The absence of proper input validation creates a critical security gap that can be exploited by local attackers to manipulate the driver's behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input bounds, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write conditions. When a local user sends malformed or unexpected input values to the driver through the specified IOCTL interface, the driver fails to validate these inputs before processing them. This lack of validation can lead to memory corruption issues that ultimately result in system instability. The most immediate and visible impact is the occurrence of a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), which represents a system crash that halts all operations and requires manual rebooting. Beyond the immediate denial of service, the vulnerability may potentially allow for more severe consequences including privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution, though the exact scope of these possibilities remains unspecified in the original description.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9053 extends beyond simple system crashes as it represents a fundamental flaw in kernel-mode driver security practices. Local users with minimal privileges can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt system operations, potentially causing productivity losses and service interruptions in enterprise environments where such optimization tools are deployed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can affect system stability and potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges within the system. The attack surface is broad since any local user with access to the system can potentially trigger the vulnerability, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9053 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users have minimal necessary access rights to prevent exploitation. System administrators should consider disabling or removing the vulnerable Windows Master software until a patched version is available, as this represents the most effective immediate solution. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode driver signing requirements and using tools like Windows Defender Application Control can help prevent execution of untrusted driver code. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in driver development practices, which should be aligned with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and Microsoft's Secure Coding Guidelines. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other kernel-mode components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive security measures and incident response procedures.