CVE-2017-15920 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2017-15920 article provides insights into a vulnerability in Watchdog Anti-Malware and Online Security Pro related to a NULL pointer dereference in the zam32.sys driver.

Understanding CVE-2017-15920

What is CVE-2017-15920?

The vulnerability in versions 2.74.186.150 of Watchdog Anti-Malware and Online Security Pro stems from a lack of validation for NULL input buffers or input buffer sizes of 0, triggered by operations sent to ioctl 0x80002054.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15920

The vulnerability allows for a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to system crashes, denial of service, or even remote code execution by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15920

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the zam32.sys driver of Watchdog Anti-Malware and Online Security Pro versions 2.74.186.150 results in a NULL pointer dereference when unvalidated input buffers are encountered.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Watchdog Anti-Malware and Online Security Pro
Vendor: N/A
Versions: 2.74.186.150

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by sending specific operations to ioctl 0x80002054 without proper validation of input buffers, leading to the NULL pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of Watchdog Anti-Malware and Online Security Pro that includes a patch for CVE-2017-15920.
Monitor vendor communications for security advisories and apply recommended fixes promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to validate input buffers and prevent NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from the vendor to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-15920.