CVE-2010-1897 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, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, and Windows 7 do not properly validate pseudo-handle values in callback parameters during window creation, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Window Creation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1897 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically in the win32k.sys component that manages user interface elements and windowing operations. This vulnerability exists across multiple Windows operating systems including XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, as well as Windows 7. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of pseudo-handle values during window creation callback parameters, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 as "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" through exploitation of kernel-mode vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way win32k.sys handles pseudo-handles during window creation processes. When applications create windows through the user interface subsystem, the kernel-mode driver receives callback parameters containing handle values that should be validated before processing. However, the validation mechanism fails to properly verify pseudo-handle values, allowing malicious applications to craft specially constructed handle values that bypass normal security checks. This improper validation occurs in the window creation callback processing code where the driver does not adequately distinguish between legitimate and malicious handle references. The vulnerability specifically targets the interaction between user-mode applications and kernel-mode drivers during window management operations, leveraging the inherent trust relationship between these components to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1897 is severe as it provides local attackers with a straightforward method to achieve privilege escalation without requiring remote network access or complex exploitation techniques. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain complete system control, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects all supported Windows versions mentioned in the CVE description, making it particularly dangerous as it spans multiple generations of the Windows operating system. The exploitation process requires only local system access, meaning that any user with standard login privileges can potentially exploit this flaw, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where user access controls may be less stringent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1897 should prioritize immediate patch deployment as Microsoft released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability through Windows Update and Microsoft Security Response Center. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary user access to system resources, monitoring for suspicious window creation activities, and employing application whitelisting solutions to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, so organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can further reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.