CVE-2019-18845 in Viper RGB
Summary
by MITRE
The MsIo64.sys and MsIo32.sys drivers in Patriot Viper RGB before 1.1 allow local users (including low integrity processes) to read and write to arbitrary memory locations, and consequently gain NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM privileges, by mapping \Device\PhysicalMemory into the calling process via ZwOpenSection and ZwMapViewOfSection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18845 affects the MsIo64.sys and MsIo32.sys kernel drivers distributed with Patriot Viper RGB software versions prior to 1.1. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that allows local attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of memory access operations within the driver components, specifically when handling physical memory mapping requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of Windows kernel APIs ZwOpenSection and ZwMapViewOfSection to map the \Device\PhysicalMemory device into the attacker's process address space. This enables malicious code to directly access physical memory locations without proper authorization checks. The flaw exists because the drivers fail to validate the requested memory ranges and access permissions before establishing the mapping, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation from low integrity processes to NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM level privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected Patriot Viper RGB software. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive system information, modify critical kernel data structures, inject malicious code into system processes, or even disable security mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by low integrity processes, meaning that even users with minimal privileges can potentially gain full system control. This characteristic aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-mode exploits to achieve SYSTEM-level access.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability can be categorized as a weakness in software design and implementation, specifically related to improper handling of system resources and privilege boundaries. This flaw corresponds to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls in software systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms within the driver's memory management functions, allowing unauthorized memory access through legitimate kernel APIs.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to Patriot Viper RGB version 1.1 or later, which includes proper validation of memory access requests and removal of the dangerous physical memory mapping capabilities. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as disabling unnecessary device drivers, monitoring for suspicious memory mapping activities, and ensuring proper software patch management processes are in place. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent unauthorized physical memory access attempts, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-171 and ISO 27001 standards for privileged access control.