CVE-2022-25949 in Internet Security 9 Plus
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2022
The kernel mode driver kwatch3 of KINGSOFT Internet Security 9 Plus Version 2010.06.23.247 fails to properly handle crafted inputs, leading to stack-based buffer overflow.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25949 resides within the kernel mode driver kwatch3 component of KINGSOFT Internet Security 9 Plus Version 2010.06.23.247, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the operating system to potential exploitation. This driver operates at the kernel level, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw manifests when the driver processes crafted input data without adequate validation, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate memory operations to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically falls under the category of stack-based buffer overflow as defined by CWE-121, where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where the kwatch3 driver fails to properly validate input parameters before copying them into fixed-size buffers allocated on the stack. Attackers can craft malicious input sequences that exceed the designated buffer capacity, causing the excess data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. This overflow can corrupt the stack frame, potentially leading to execution flow redirection or information disclosure. The kernel mode execution context amplifies the impact significantly since any successful exploitation would allow attackers to operate with the highest system privileges, bypassing standard user access controls and security mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a direct violation of memory safety principles and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or privileges to gain system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates multiple attack vectors for sophisticated threat actors. Once exploited, the attacker could gain complete control over the affected system, potentially using it as a foothold for lateral movement within a network or as a pivot point for further attacks. The persistence of such vulnerabilities in security software is particularly concerning since these applications are designed to protect systems from malicious activity, yet contain flaws that can be leveraged against them. Organizations running this specific version of KINGSOFT Internet Security face significant risk exposure, especially in environments where system integrity and security are paramount. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in kernel drivers, as these components operate with unrestricted access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25949 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-supplied patches or updates. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest version of KINGSOFT Internet Security that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released a patched version of the kwatch3 driver. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Monitoring for suspicious system behavior or unauthorized access attempts may provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary kernel drivers when possible and implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as exploit prevention software. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel mode components, including formal verification and static analysis techniques to identify potential buffer overflow conditions before deployment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other security software components that may pose analogous risks to system integrity and confidentiality.