CVE-2011-1882 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 • 11/14/2021
The CVE-2011-1882 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This 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. The vulnerability stems from improper management of driver objects within the kernel-mode environment, specifically in the win32k.sys module that handles user interface components and graphics rendering functions. This flaw creates a condition where memory that has been freed is still accessed by the system, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as Use After Free, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that has been extensively documented in the software security community.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker crafts a malicious application that triggers the improper driver object management within win32k.sys. The flaw manifests during the handling of user interface objects and graphics operations, where the kernel driver fails to properly validate or manage the lifecycle of allocated memory structures. When the driver attempts to access memory that has already been freed, it can result in a system crash or more critically, allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can enable attackers to bypass system security controls and gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it extremely difficult to detect and prevent through traditional user-mode security mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1882 extends beyond simple system compromise as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over vulnerable systems. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The widespread affected platforms mean that organizations running any of the listed Windows versions are at risk, making this vulnerability particularly impactful in enterprise environments where legacy systems may still be operational. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques to gain higher system access. Additionally, the use-after-free nature of the vulnerability fits within the broader category of memory corruption attacks that are frequently targeted by advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1882 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, specifically addressing the vulnerability through the MS11-054 security bulletin. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services and restricting user privileges can reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-mode flaw means that traditional antivirus solutions may not detect exploitation attempts, requiring more sophisticated endpoint detection and response capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and mandatory access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches, as the vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions that may still be in use within enterprise environments.