CVE-2010-3944 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 does not properly validate user-mode input, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The CVE-2010-3944 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in the Windows kernel-mode driver component known as win32k.sys. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems, where the kernel-mode drivers fail to properly validate user-mode input parameters. The flaw exists within the win32k.sys driver which handles user interface components and window management functions in the Windows operating system. When a malicious application attempts to manipulate the driver through improperly validated input, it can trigger a memory corruption condition that allows local attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a memory corruption mechanism that stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel-mode driver. Attackers can craft specially designed applications that send malformed input to the win32k.sys driver, causing it to process invalid data structures in kernel memory space. This improper validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal user-mode security boundaries and can enable complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 systems are deployed. Local users who can execute code on the target system can leverage this flaw to achieve system-level privileges without requiring additional authentication or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it only requires local access and can be executed through legitimate user applications, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security controls. Security professionals must consider that successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions in software, and relates to the broader category of kernel-mode memory corruption issues that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates, implementation of user access controls to limit local execution capabilities, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting local administrative privileges to reduce the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.