CVE-2018-9054 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 0xf100284c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9054 resides within Windows Master, specifically version 7.99.13.604, and represents a critical security flaw in the WoptiHWDetect.SYS driver component. This driver serves as a hardware detection utility within the optimization software suite, establishing a communication channel through Windows I/O control codes to interact with system resources. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly validate input parameters received through IOCTL 0xf100284c, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to disrupt system operations. The lack of input validation creates a pathway for malformed or malicious data to be processed directly by the kernel-level driver, bypassing normal security boundaries that typically protect system stability and integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, Input Validation, and CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write, as the driver's failure to validate input values from the specific IOCTL interface creates opportunities for buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. When local users submit crafted input data through the vulnerable IOCTL code, the driver processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, potentially leading to kernel memory corruption. This type of vulnerability represents a privilege escalation vector since the driver operates with elevated privileges due to its kernel-mode execution context, making the impact significantly more severe than typical user-mode vulnerabilities. The Windows ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and T1490, Inhibit System Recovery, as the resulting denial of service condition can render the system unstable and potentially unusable.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9054 extends beyond simple denial of service, as the vulnerability could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the nature of the memory corruption that occurs. Local users with access to the system can trigger a blue screen of death (BSOD) by sending malicious input through the IOCTL interface, effectively causing system crashes and forcing users to reboot. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability might allow for additional malicious behaviors beyond immediate system instability. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where optimization tools are commonly deployed, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems running Windows Master 7.99.13.604 and potentially other versions of the software, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not updated their systems. The low complexity of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it requires minimal technical expertise to trigger the conditions necessary for system disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9054 should focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of Windows Master that addresses this vulnerability, as the vendor likely released patches to fix the input validation issues in the affected driver. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, using Windows Event Logging and kernel-mode monitoring tools to detect potential abuse of the vulnerable interface. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting user access to optimization tools and ensuring that only authorized personnel have the ability to interact with system-level drivers. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode protection mechanisms such as Driver Signature Enforcement and Windows Defender Application Control can help prevent unauthorized driver loading and execution. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of third-party software components to identify similar input validation issues that might exist in other system utilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers, as highlighted by security best practices from NIST and the CWE organization, which emphasize that all user-supplied input must be validated and sanitized before processing in privileged contexts to prevent system compromise.