CVE-2011-0090 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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, SP2, and 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 • 10/16/2021
The CVE-2011-0090 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically within the win32k.sys component that handles graphical user interface operations. This vulnerability exists in multiple Windows operating systems including Windows xp service packs 2 and 3, windows server 2003 service pack 2, windows vista service packs 1 and 2, windows server 2008 gold and service packs 2 and r2, and windows 7. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-mode input data within the kernel-mode driver, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory corruption within the win32k.sys driver when processing certain graphical operations and user input. Attackers can craft malicious applications that exploit this weakness by sending specially formatted input data to the kernel-mode driver, which then fails to properly validate the incoming parameters. This validation failure results in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the windowing subsystem that manages graphical user interface elements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with graphical applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to affected systems as it allows local attackers with standard user privileges to escalate their access to SYSTEM level privileges. The attack vector requires only a crafted application that can be executed by a regular user, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where user access rights are more permissive. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms that persist across system reboots. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed operating systems including server environments makes it a prime target for both automated exploits and targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0090 should include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches that address the win32k.sys memory validation issues. Organizations must ensure comprehensive patch management processes are in place to maintain up-to-date systems across all affected platforms. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity, and maintaining robust endpoint protection solutions. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where local privilege escalation represents a common initial access vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent presence within target environments. Security teams should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and reducing the attack surface by disabling unnecessary graphical components when possible.
This vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue under the common weakness enumeration framework, specifically related to improper input validation and kernel-mode memory management failures. The attack pattern demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack technique of privilege escalation as documented in the mitre attack framework, where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The widespread impact across multiple windows versions indicates this vulnerability was particularly effective as a mass exploitation vector, making it a critical component of enterprise security incident response and remediation planning.