CVE-2011-0672 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 • 03/23/2025
The CVE-2011-0672 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability exists within the graphics subsystem's kernel driver responsible for managing user interface elements including windows, menus, and other graphical objects. The flaw manifests when the driver fails to properly validate and manage reference counts for kernel objects, creating opportunities for malicious code to exploit the dangling pointer conditions that result from improper memory management practices.
This vulnerability specifically affects a wide range of Microsoft Windows versions including Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 in various service pack configurations, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 releases. The exploitation occurs when a local malicious application manipulates the graphics subsystem through kernel-mode driver objects, leveraging the improper handling of kernel object references that leads to memory corruption. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as successful exploitation can result in privilege escalation from standard user context to SYSTEM level access.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves crafting a malicious application that triggers specific conditions within the win32k.sys driver, causing it to free memory associated with kernel objects while other code paths might still reference those locations. This creates a use-after-free scenario where subsequent operations on the freed memory can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a "Use After Free" condition, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. The attack vector requires local execution privileges, meaning an attacker must first gain access to a user account on the target system before attempting exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments as it allows local attackers to escalate privileges without requiring network access or complex remote exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise, as the attacker can leverage the elevated privileges to install persistent backdoors, modify system files, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions from Windows XP through Windows 7 SP1 creates a broad attack surface that organizations must address through timely patch management and system hardening measures.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods, though the specific technique used here involves kernel-mode memory corruption rather than network-based attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to address this vulnerability, as Microsoft released security updates through MS11-034 that specifically target this issue. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel-mode driver signing requirements, user access controls, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues in operating system components.