CVE-2018-20404 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2018-20404 article provides insights into a vulnerability in the ETK_E900.sys driver for the VIA Technologies EPIA-E900 system board, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-20404

This section delves into the nature and impact of the CVE-2018-20404 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-20404?

The ETK_E900.sys driver, intended for the VIA Technologies EPIA-E900 system board, is susceptible to a denial of service attack through the IOCTL 0x9C402048. This attack exploits the memmove function, causing system freezes or Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).

The Impact of CVE-2018-20404

The vulnerability allows attackers to trigger continuous failures in the memmove function, leading to system instability, freezes, or BSoD, potentially disrupting system operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20404

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2018-20404 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the ETK_E900.sys driver enables attackers to exploit the memmove function, resulting in system crashes or BSoD.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through the IOCTL 0x9C402048, triggering continuous failures in the memmove function on an uncontrolled memory address.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-20404 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation.
Consider restricting access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch system components to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses.
Educate users and IT staff on best practices for system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from VIA Technologies.
Apply patches and updates as soon as they are released to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.