CVE-2018-9063 in System Update
Summary
by MITRE
MapDrv (C:\Program Files\Lenovo\System Update\mapdrv.exe) In Lenovo System Update versions earlier than 5.07.0072 contains a local vulnerability where an attacker entering very large user ID or password can overrun the program's buffer, causing undefined behaviors, such as execution of arbitrary code. No additional privilege is granted to the attacker beyond what is already possessed to run MapDrv.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9063 resides within MapDrv.exe, a component of Lenovo System Update software that operates with elevated privileges on Windows systems. This executable is designed to manage driver updates and system configuration changes, making it a critical component in the system update process. The flaw manifests in the program's insufficient input validation mechanisms when processing user credentials, creating a buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through carefully crafted malicious input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the credential handling routines of MapDrv.exe. When the application processes user ID or password inputs, it fails to properly validate the length of these inputs before copying them into fixed-size memory buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs because the program assumes that user inputs will remain within expected parameters, without implementing proper size validation or input sanitization measures. The vulnerability specifically affects Lenovo System Update versions prior to 5.07.0072, indicating that this was a known issue that required a specific software update to address the underlying code flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program instability, as it creates potential for arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process. Attackers can leverage this buffer overflow to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially redirecting program execution flow to malicious code. Since MapDrv.exe typically operates with elevated privileges due to its role in system updates, successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute malicious payloads with administrative rights, compromising the entire system. The vulnerability does not require additional privilege escalation beyond what is already available to the user running the MapDrv process, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users with standard system access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerable component is part of the system update mechanism, which users typically trust and run with elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to Lenovo System Update version 5.07.0072 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions. Additional defensive measures may include monitoring for unusual process execution patterns and implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict unauthorized execution of vulnerable components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices in system management tools, particularly those with elevated privileges and direct system interaction capabilities.