CVE-2010-1895 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel-mode drivers in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, and Windows Server 2003 SP2, do not properly perform memory allocation before copying user-mode data to kernel mode, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Pool Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The CVE-2010-1895 vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw in the Windows kernel-mode driver component win32k.sys affecting Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, as well as Windows Server 2003 SP2 systems. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-122, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. The flaw manifests in the kernel-mode driver's inadequate memory allocation practices when handling data transfers between user-mode applications and kernel-mode environments, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated privilege escalation attack that leverages the improper memory handling within win32k.sys. When user-mode applications attempt to communicate with kernel-mode drivers through the Windows graphics subsystem, the driver fails to properly validate and allocate sufficient memory space before copying user-provided data into kernel memory regions. This memory allocation deficiency creates a pool overflow condition where crafted malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) subsystem, which is responsible for handling graphics operations and user interface elements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with graphical applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1895 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments, as it provides local users with the capability to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. This privilege escalation allows attackers to bypass standard security controls, gain full control over affected systems, and potentially establish persistent access for further exploitation or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network connectivity or specialized attack infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through local applications or even malicious websites that leverage browser-based attacks. Organizations running affected Windows versions are at significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited by malware that targets the graphics subsystem, such as trojans or rootkits that attempt to establish stealthy persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1895 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying memory allocation flaw in win32k.sys. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems as a critical security measure, particularly in environments where users have local access to systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized applications, disabling unnecessary graphical features that could trigger the vulnerability, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts through security information and event management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in kernel-mode drivers, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement capabilities once an attacker has achieved system compromise, as the vulnerability's exploitation directly enables complete system takeover without requiring additional network-based attack vectors.