CVE-2011-0674 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 • 05/15/2025
The CVE-2011-0674 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability 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 Gold, SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, as well as Windows 7 Gold and SP1. The flaw resides in the kernel-mode driver management system where improper handling of driver objects creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the win32k.sys driver fails to properly validate object references after memory deallocation, creating a window where malicious code can exploit the freed memory structure.
This use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper object management within the Windows kernel-mode subsystem that handles graphical user interface components and window management operations. The win32k.sys driver is responsible for processing user interface events, managing window objects, and handling graphics operations, making it a critical component for system stability and security. When a crafted application manipulates the driver's object reference counting mechanism, it can cause the driver to access memory that has already been freed, leading to potential code execution in kernel mode. The vulnerability operates through a specific pattern where the driver object management logic does not properly enforce reference validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the object state before memory deallocation occurs.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0674 is severe as it enables local users to escalate privileges from standard user level to system level execution. This privilege escalation occurs because the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the kernel context, bypassing standard security boundaries that normally protect system integrity. The exploitation process typically involves creating a malicious application that triggers the specific code path in win32k.sys, causing the driver to access freed memory and potentially execute attacker-controlled code. This capability fundamentally undermines the security model of Windows operating systems, as it provides a pathway for unauthorized privilege elevation without requiring remote network access or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and represents a classic example of improper object lifetime management in kernel-mode code.
Security mitigations for CVE-2011-0674 primarily involve applying the Microsoft security patch released as part of MS11-034, which addresses the specific driver object management flaw in win32k.sys. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the security update promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as enabling kernel-mode code integrity checks, monitoring for unusual kernel-mode activity, and maintaining detailed system logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation in targeted attacks, so organizations should also consider network segmentation, privilege separation, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel-mode drivers and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams.