CVE-2021-31727 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability has been identified in MalwareFox AntiMalware 2.74.0.150, tracked as CVE-2021-31727. This CVE showcases improper access control in zam64.sys and zam32.sys, enabling non-privileged processes to achieve escalated privileges by exploiting specific IOCTL calls. Here's a detailed overview of the issue and its implications.

Understanding CVE-2021-31727

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2021-31727, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-31727?

The vulnerability in zam64.sys and zam32.sys within MalwareFox AntiMalware 2.74.0.150 allows non-privileged processes to attain elevated privileges through manipulating certain IOCTL calls.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31727

By leveraging IOCTLs 0x80002014 and 0x80002018, unauthorized entities can gain unrestricted disk read/write capabilities. This flaw enables malevolent actors to overwrite critical system components, like the boot sector or crucial code within the pagefile.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31727

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2021-31727, providing insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate access controls in zam64.sys and zam32.sys, ultimately allowing non-privileged processes to interact with these drivers improperly.

Affected Systems and Versions

MalwareFox AntiMalware version 2.74.0.150 is affected by this security flaw, potentially impacting systems that utilize this specific version.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting IOCTLs 0x80002014 and 0x80002018, an unauthorized process can interact with the drivers and escalate privileges, compromising the integrity of the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-31727 is crucial to maintaining robust cybersecurity practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is imperative to apply security patches or updates provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, restricting access permissions can help limit the exploitability of this security issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong access controls, regular security audits, and promoting security awareness among users can bolster the overall security posture and reduce the risk of similar exploits in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating software and security solutions, including MalwareFox AntiMalware, can help mitigate known vulnerabilities and reinforce the resilience of the system against potential cyber threats.