CVE-2018-20029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in the nxfs.sys driver within the DokanFS library version 0.6.0 used in NoMachine prior to 6.4.6 on Windows 10 allows local users to initiate a denial of service attack resulting in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) by exploiting uninitialized memory.

Understanding CVE-2018-20029

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the DokanFS library version 0.6.0 used in NoMachine before version 6.4.6 on Windows 10.

What is CVE-2018-20029?

The vulnerability in the nxfs.sys driver allows local users to trigger a denial of service attack leading to a BSOD by leveraging the ability to read uninitialized memory.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20029

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a critical system crash, causing disruption and potential data loss for affected users.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20029

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The nxfs.sys driver in the DokanFS library version 0.6.0 in NoMachine before 6.4.6 on Windows 10 enables local users to cause a denial of service (BSOD) due to the ability to read uninitialized memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems: Windows 10
Versions: NoMachine versions prior to 6.4.6

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by local users to trigger a denial of service attack, resulting in a BSOD, through the manipulation of uninitialized memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20029, users and organizations should take immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NoMachine to version 6.4.6 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and systems to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.