CVE-2011-0675 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 • 02/22/2025
The CVE-2011-0675 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability exists within the windowing subsystem that manages graphical user interface elements and handles user input processing. The flaw specifically manifests in how the driver object management is handled during certain operations involving window and desktop objects, creating a scenario where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed by malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks within the Windows kernel environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local attacker to craft a malicious application that can trigger the flawed memory management sequence within win32k.sys. When the vulnerable driver processes certain window management operations, it fails to properly validate object references after memory deallocation, allowing an attacker to manipulate the freed memory location to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust model of kernel-mode drivers, where legitimate system components can be manipulated to bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the kernel space where the attacker gains complete control over the system, enabling actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, or creating persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a broad range of 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, making it a widespread concern across multiple operating system generations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0675 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and persistent access capabilities. Once successfully exploited, attackers can achieve system-level control that enables them to bypass all standard security controls and access sensitive data without detection. The vulnerability's classification as a "Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability" aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and kernel exploitation. This particular flaw demonstrates the critical nature of kernel-mode driver security, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the operating system's memory management and object lifecycle handling. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as local users with minimal privileges can leverage it to gain elevated system access. The attack scenario typically involves the malicious application triggering the vulnerable code path, causing the kernel to free memory that is then manipulated to redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled code, effectively allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary instructions with the highest possible system privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0675 focus primarily on applying the relevant microsoft security updates that address the specific memory management flaw in win32k.sys. Microsoft released patches in ms11-034 that corrected the improper object reference handling within the kernel-mode driver, preventing the use-after-free condition from being exploited. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these security updates across all affected windows systems, particularly in enterprise environments where the vulnerability could be exploited by unauthorized local users. Additionally, implementing additional security controls such as user access restrictions, disabling unnecessary services, and monitoring for suspicious system behavior can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability's nature also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and kernel-mode driver audits, as the flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor memory management issues can result in catastrophic security breaches. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing and potentially exploiting such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure compatibility with existing applications and systems, as kernel-level updates can sometimes introduce unexpected behavior in legacy applications.