CVE-2024-0788 in Pro X
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
SUPERAntiSpyware Pro X v10.0.1260 is vulnerable to kernel-level API parameters manipulation and Denial of Service vulnerabilities by triggering the 0x9C402140 IOCTL code of the saskutil64.sys driver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0788 affects SUPERAntiSpyware Pro X version 10.0.1260 and represents a critical security flaw within the kernel-level driver component of the software. This issue manifests through the manipulation of API parameters within the saskutil64.sys driver, which operates at the kernel level and provides core system functionality for the anti-spyware solution. The vulnerability specifically targets the 0x9C402140 IOCTL (Input/Output Control) code, which serves as the primary interface for communication between user-mode applications and the kernel-mode driver. The exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate kernel-level parameters, potentially leading to system instability and unauthorized access to critical system resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the attacker gains the highest privileges available to user-mode applications, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of IOCTL requests within the saskutil64.sys driver, which fails to validate input parameters before processing them at the kernel level. When an attacker sends a malformed or specially crafted IOCTL request with the 0x9C402140 code, the driver does not perform adequate parameter validation, allowing for memory corruption or unexpected behavior. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The lack of proper input validation and parameter sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code or trigger system crashes through carefully constructed API calls. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, as the attacker operates with the highest possible privileges within the Windows operating system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0788 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential system compromise and privilege escalation. While the vulnerability can trigger denial of service through system crashes or hangs, the more serious implications arise from the kernel-level parameter manipulation capability. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, bypassing standard security mechanisms and potentially establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running SUPERAntiSpyware Pro X v10.0.1260, which represents a specific version where the driver implementation contains insufficient validation logic. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where anti-malware solutions are deployed, as these systems often run with elevated privileges and could provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in driver development, specifically the lack of proper input validation and memory safety checks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0788 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to update to the latest version of SUPERAntiSpyware Pro X, where the vendor has presumably addressed the kernel-level parameter validation issues within the saskutil64.sys driver. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly in environments where the vulnerable software is deployed. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious IOCTL activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, using tools like Sysmon or similar endpoint detection and response solutions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability also relates to T1543, which covers create or modify system process, as the kernel-level manipulation could enable persistent access. Organizations should also consider implementing driver signature enforcement and disabling unnecessary kernel-mode drivers to reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other kernel-mode components and ensure proper input validation practices are implemented across all system drivers.