CVE-2006-5758 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Graphics Rendering Engine in Microsoft Windows 2000 through 2000 SP4 and Windows XP through SP2 maps GDI Kernel structures on a global shared memory section that is mapped with read-only permissions, but can be remapped by other processes as read-write, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and crash) and gain privileges by modifying the kernel structures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-5758 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects versions from Windows 2000 through Service Pack 4 and Windows XP through Service Pack 2. This issue resides within the Graphics Rendering Engine's handling of GDI Kernel structures, creating a fundamental security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers to compromise system integrity. The flaw stems from improper memory management practices where kernel-level data structures are exposed through a globally shared memory section, fundamentally undermining the security boundaries that separate user-mode and kernel-mode execution environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the mapping of GDI Kernel structures to a shared memory section that is initially configured with read-only permissions. However, the design flaw allows other processes to remap this same memory section with read-write permissions, effectively breaking the intended memory protection mechanisms. This remapping capability creates a race condition and privilege escalation vector where malicious processes can modify kernel structures while they are in use, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows Graphics Device Interface which handles all graphics operations and kernel-level rendering functions, making it a critical component for exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to achieve both denial of service conditions and privilege escalation capabilities. When exploited, the modification of kernel structures results in memory corruption that typically manifests as system crashes or blue screen errors, effectively causing a denial of service that disrupts normal system operations. More critically, successful exploitation can allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level permissions, which represents a complete compromise of the system's security model. The attack requires local access but can be particularly devastating as it allows for complete system takeover without requiring network connectivity or complex external exploitation techniques.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on improper handling of kernel memory structures and insufficient protection mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques using kernel exploits and memory corruption methods, specifically categorized under T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack vector relies on local system access and leverages the inherent trust relationships within the Windows kernel to manipulate memory structures that should remain protected from user-mode modification. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches, disabling unnecessary graphics services, and implementing robust process monitoring to detect unauthorized memory remapping activities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper kernel memory management and highlights the critical need for secure coding practices that prevent privilege escalation through improper memory sharing mechanisms.