CVE-2010-1896 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel-mode drivers in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, and Windows Server 2008 Gold and SP2 do not properly validate user-mode input passed to kernel mode, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k User Input Validation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1896 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver component known as win32k.sys. This driver serves as the core graphics subsystem interface between user-mode applications and kernel-mode components in Microsoft Windows operating systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests in versions spanning Windows xp service pack 2 and 3, windows server 2003 service pack 2, windows vista service pack 1 and 2, and windows server 2008 gold and service pack 2. The flaw resides in the improper validation of user-mode input data that gets passed from user applications into kernel mode execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the win32k.sys driver. When user-mode applications interact with graphics-related system calls, they pass various parameters and data structures to the kernel-mode driver for processing. The vulnerability occurs because the driver fails to properly validate the integrity and bounds of these parameters before processing them in kernel space. This validation gap allows malicious applications to craft specially crafted input data that can manipulate the driver's behavior during kernel execution. The flaw operates under the weakness category defined by CWE-125 as "Out-of-bounds Read" and also relates to CWE-787 "Out-of-bounds Write" when considering the potential for memory corruption. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-mode security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments. Local attackers who can execute code on a target system gain the ability to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system administrator level, providing them with complete control over the affected machine. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls such as user access controls, file permissions, and application whitelisting mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity or external exploitation vectors - the attack can be executed entirely locally through a crafted application. This characteristic makes it highly attractive for both malicious insiders and external attackers who have already gained initial access to a system through other means. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent backdoors, extract sensitive data, modify system files, disable security software, and potentially enable further lateral movement within network environments. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1896 focus primarily on applying the official security patches provided by microsoft. Microsoft released security update ms10-046 specifically addressing this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately across all affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure comprehensive coverage of all vulnerable windows versions. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized applications, enabling user access control features such as windows defender application guard, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities through security information and event management systems. Network segmentation and least privilege access models can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs. System administrators should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel-mode activities indicative of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems within the environment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed patch deployment in enterprise security management.