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SysGauge Pro 4.6.12 Local Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2018-25307)

SysGauge Pro 4.6.12 is vulnerable to a local buffer overflow in the Register function, allowing local attackers to overwrite the structured exception handler and execute arbitrary code by supplying a crafted unlock key during registration.

SysGauge Pro version 4.6.12 is susceptible to a local buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2018-25307) within its registration process. This vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the SysGauge Pro application. Specifically, by providing a maliciously crafted “Unlock Key” during the registration, an attacker can overwrite the Structured Exception Handler (SEH). This overwrite allows the injection of shellcode, leading to the execution of attacker-controlled code within the context of the application. This is a local vulnerability, meaning the attacker needs local system access to exploit it. The report dates back to 2018, but was only recently published in the NVD database.

Attack Chain

  1. Attacker gains local access to the target system.
  2. Attacker identifies that SysGauge Pro 4.6.12 is installed.
  3. Attacker launches SysGauge Pro.
  4. Attacker initiates the registration process within SysGauge Pro.
  5. Attacker provides a crafted “Unlock Key” containing shellcode designed to overwrite the Structured Exception Handler (SEH).
  6. The application attempts to process the overly long “Unlock Key” without proper bounds checking.
  7. The buffer overflow occurs, overwriting the SEH with the attacker’s shellcode address.
  8. When an exception occurs within the application, the overwritten SEH is invoked, redirecting execution to the attacker’s shellcode, leading to arbitrary code execution with application privileges.

Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the SysGauge Pro application. This could lead to complete system compromise if the application is running with elevated privileges. The impact includes potential data theft, modification of system settings, or installation of malware. Given that this is a local exploit, the primary risk is to systems where untrusted users have local access.

Recommendation

  • Monitor process creations for SysGauge Pro (SysGauge.exe) spawning unusual child processes to detect potential exploitation attempts, using a process_creation Sigma rule.
  • Consider deploying application control or whitelisting to prevent execution of unsigned or untrusted executables within the SysGauge Pro process.
  • Since no patch is available, consider uninstalling SysGauge Pro 4.6.12 from systems where the risk outweighs the benefit of the software.

Detection coverage 2

SysGauge Pro Suspicious Child Process

high

Detects suspicious child processes spawned by SysGauge Pro, potentially indicating successful exploitation of CVE-2018-25307.

sigma tactics: execution, privilege_escalation techniques: T1059.001 sources: process_creation, windows

SysGauge Pro Registration Key Buffer Overflow Attempt

medium

Detects a potential buffer overflow attempt in SysGauge Pro by monitoring for excessively long strings passed as registration keys, which could be indicative of an exploit attempt targeting CVE-2018-25307.

sigma tactics: defense_evasion, privilege_escalation techniques: T1059.001 sources: process_creation, windows

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