CVE-2019-15664 in Control Center
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Rivet Killer Control Center before 2.1.1352. IOCTL 0x120404 in KfeCo10X64.sys fails to validate an offset passed as a parameter during a memory operation, leading to an out-of-bounds read that can be used as part of a chain to escalate privileges (issue 2 of 2).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15664 resides within the Rivet Killer Control Center software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.1.1352. This issue manifests in the kernel-mode driver component KfeCo10X64.sys which handles IOCTL (Input/Output Control) operations for device communication. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables attackers to manipulate memory operations through improper parameter validation, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass user-mode protections and directly interact with system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves IOCTL code 0x120404 which processes memory operations without adequate validation of offset parameters. When a malicious user or attacker submits a crafted offset value to this specific IOCTL handler, the driver fails to verify the bounds of the memory access operation. This lack of input validation creates an out-of-bounds read condition where the driver attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability follows the CWE-129 weakness category, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length parameters in memory operations. This particular flaw demonstrates how improper input validation in kernel-mode drivers can create exploitable conditions that allow for arbitrary memory access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a critical component in privilege escalation chains. An attacker who successfully exploits this out-of-bounds read condition can potentially gather sensitive kernel memory information, which may reveal memory layout details, security credentials, or other confidential data. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue stems from its ability to be chained with other exploits, where the information gained from this out-of-bounds read can be used to further compromise system security. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may have lower privilege levels but could leverage this issue to gain elevated system access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through kernel-mode exploitation, specifically involving the use of driver vulnerabilities to gain system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15664 primarily focus on updating to the patched version 2.1.1352 or later, which implements proper offset validation within the IOCTL handler. System administrators should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a direct threat to system integrity and security. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and driver signature enforcement can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual IOCTL activity patterns and implementing least privilege principles to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode components and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation flaws can create significant security risks. Regular security assessments of kernel drivers and firmware components remain essential practices for maintaining system security posture against similar vulnerabilities.