CVE-2011-0670 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-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, SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application that leverages incorrect driver object management, a different vulnerability than other "Vulnerability Type 1" CVEs listed in MS11-034, aka "Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The CVE-2011-0670 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw resides in the graphical subsystem responsible for managing user interface elements and windowing operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through local applications that manipulate driver object management incorrectly. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows versions including Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, as well as Windows 7 Gold and SP1, establishing it as a widespread issue across multiple service packs and operating system generations.
This use-after-free vulnerability occurs when the win32k.sys driver fails to properly manage memory references for kernel-mode objects, creating a scenario where freed memory locations can be accessed and reused by malicious code. The flaw specifically manifests during driver object management operations where the kernel does not adequately validate object references before allowing subsequent operations on potentially deallocated memory structures. This condition allows a local attacker to craft a malicious application that can trigger the vulnerability, leading to arbitrary code execution at kernel level with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-416 Use After Free, which directly maps to the fundamental flaw where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating a potential privilege escalation vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0670 is severe as it enables local users to achieve privilege escalation from standard user level to SYSTEM level access, which provides complete control over the affected system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, install rootkits, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The exploitability is particularly concerning because it requires only local access to the system, meaning that an attacker with legitimate user credentials can escalate privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or network access. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where users have legitimate access to systems that may be targeted.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching through Microsoft security updates, specifically addressing the issues outlined in MS11-034 which contains the relevant security fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize applying the Windows Update patches that resolve the win32k.sys memory management issues, particularly the kernel-mode driver object management flaws that enable the use-after-free condition. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies to limit the execution of potentially malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can also help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring for unusual kernel-level activity may help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-mode privilege escalation issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.