CVE-2011-1874 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 CVEs listed in MS11-054, aka "Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The CVE-2011-1874 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects 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 object management within the Windows graphics subsystem, where improper handling of driver objects creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from incorrect management of kernel-mode driver objects within the win32k.sys component. When a malicious application creates and manipulates driver objects in an improper sequence, it can cause the system to access memory locations that have already been freed or deallocated. This memory corruption occurs during the processing of graphics-related operations and window management functions that rely on the win32k.sys driver. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly validate object references or maintain proper reference counting mechanisms, leading to situations where freed memory can be accessed and potentially overwritten by malicious code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to system security as it allows local attackers to escalate privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The attack vector requires local system access, meaning an attacker must already have a user account on the target system. However, the privilege escalation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous since it can be exploited to gain complete administrative control over the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue that can be leveraged by malicious software or compromised user accounts to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges.
The vulnerability's impact aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." This mapping reflects the attack pattern where an attacker exploits a memory corruption vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the Windows operating system. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it affects multiple versions of Windows, making it a widespread concern across enterprise environments. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect and mitigate due to its kernel-level nature and the complex interactions between graphics drivers and system objects.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1874 primarily involve applying the Microsoft security patch released as part of MS11-054, which specifically addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows systems, particularly those running older versions of Windows that remain in use within enterprise environments. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting local user access can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with privilege escalation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation may generate specific system call sequences or memory access patterns that can be monitored for suspicious activity.