CVE-2010-3941 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold and SP2, and Windows 7 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Double Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The CVE-2010-3941 vulnerability represents a critical double free condition within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows versions including Windows xp service pack 2 and 3, windows server 2003 service pack 2, windows vista service pack 1 and 2, windows server 2008 gold and service pack 2, and windows 7. The flaw resides in the kernel-mode drivers that handle user interface operations, specifically within the win32k.sys module which manages graphics and user interface components. This vulnerability is classified as a cwe-415 double free vulnerability according to the common weakness enumeration catalog, where the same memory block is freed twice, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local malicious application attempts to trigger a double free condition in the win32k.sys driver through improper handling of user interface objects. When the kernel processes certain graphics operations or user interface interactions, it fails to properly validate memory management operations, leading to scenarios where memory blocks are freed multiple times. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively elevating their access from user level to system level. The attack vector requires local execution as the vulnerability exists within kernel-mode drivers that are accessible through legitimate user applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local privilege escalation capabilities that can be exploited by malicious software or compromised user accounts. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete system control, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, and persistent access to network resources. The vulnerability affects systems running various windows versions and is particularly concerning due to the widespread deployment of these operating systems in enterprise environments. The exploitability factor is relatively high as it requires only local user access and does not depend on network connectivity or specific user interaction beyond executing malicious code.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the memory management logic within win32k.sys, preventing the double free condition from occurring. Organizations should implement the relevant security patches immediately to mitigate this risk, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and consider implementing additional security controls such as user access restrictions and monitoring for suspicious system behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of kernel-mode security and proper memory management practices in operating system design. This issue is categorized under the attack technique of privilege escalation in the mitre att&ck framework, specifically targeting the kernel as a high-value target for attackers seeking system-level access.