CVE-2026-92254: CWE-20 Improper input validation in Watchdog Anti-Virus
CVE-2026-92254 is a vulnerability in Watchdog Anti-Virus 1.8.640 through versions before 1.8.804 on Windows. It involves missing authorization checks in the IOCTL handlers of the wsdkd.sys kernel driver, allowing local low-privileged users to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This bypasses NTFS access controls and can disable security products or destabilize the OS.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and missing authorization in the IOCTL handlers of the wsdkd.sys kernel driver in Watchdog Anti-Virus versions >=1.8.640 and <1.8.804 on Microsoft Windows. Local attackers with low privileges can send crafted IOCTL requests to the \Device\wsdk device, enabling them to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This bypasses normal NTFS access controls and could lead to disabling security software or causing system instability.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows local, low-privileged attackers to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, bypassing NTFS access controls. This can result in disabling security products or destabilizing the operating system, potentially leading to significant security and stability issues on affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
No explicit patch or remediation details are provided in the vendor advisory or input data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious local activity targeting the \Device\wsdk device.
CVE-2026-92254: CWE-20 Improper input validation in Watchdog Anti-Virus
Description
CVE-2026-92254 is a vulnerability in Watchdog Anti-Virus 1.8.640 through versions before 1.8.804 on Windows. It involves missing authorization checks in the IOCTL handlers of the wsdkd.sys kernel driver, allowing local low-privileged users to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This bypasses NTFS access controls and can disable security products or destabilize the OS.
CVSS v4.0
Score 6.9medium
Affected software
Watchdog
Anti-Virus
pkg:github/watchdog/anti-virusRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability arises from improper input validation and missing authorization in the IOCTL handlers of the wsdkd.sys kernel driver in Watchdog Anti-Virus versions >=1.8.640 and <1.8.804 on Microsoft Windows. Local attackers with low privileges can send crafted IOCTL requests to the \Device\wsdk device, enabling them to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges. This bypasses normal NTFS access controls and could lead to disabling security software or causing system instability.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows local, low-privileged attackers to delete arbitrary files with SYSTEM privileges, bypassing NTFS access controls. This can result in disabling security products or destabilizing the operating system, potentially leading to significant security and stability issues on affected systems.
Mitigation Recommendations
No explicit patch or remediation details are provided in the vendor advisory or input data. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict local access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious local activity targeting the \Device\wsdk device.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- watchdog
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-15T21:07:00.693Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aafd24555bf5e2cf5080ef1
Added to database: 09/20/2026, 12:32:05 UTC
Last enriched: 09/20/2026, 12:46:41 UTC
Last updated: 09/20/2026, 15:38:29 UTC
Views: 8
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.