CVE-2011-1883 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-2011-1883 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 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, and windows 7 gold and sp1. The flaw resides in the kernel-mode driver management system where improper handling of driver objects creates conditions that allow malicious code to exploit memory management errors. This vulnerability specifically targets the win32k.sys driver which is responsible for user-mode graphics and windowing functionality in windows operating systems, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a crafted application manipulates driver object references in a way that creates a use-after-free condition within the win32k.sys kernel driver. When the kernel attempts to access memory that has already been freed, the system experiences undefined behavior that can be leveraged by malicious code to execute arbitrary instructions with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability stems from incorrect management of driver object references during windowing operations, particularly when handling graphics-related system calls. This flaw is classified as a use-after-free vulnerability under the common weakness enumeration framework and represents a classic memory safety issue that allows attackers to corrupt memory and gain elevated privileges. The attack vector requires local system access since the vulnerability exists within kernel-mode drivers that are typically only accessible to privileged processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1883 is severe as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can elevate user-level processes to kernel-level privileges. Successful exploitation allows attackers to bypass standard security controls and gain complete system control, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where user accounts may have elevated permissions. The vulnerability's presence in multiple windows versions means that organizations running affected systems face widespread exposure, particularly since many legacy systems continue to operate with outdated security patches. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the attack technique of privilege escalation in the mitre att&ck framework and represents a significant threat to system integrity and confidentiality. The exploitation typically results in persistent backdoor access and can be used as a foundation for further attacks within a network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1883 primarily involve applying the official microsoft security update ms11-054 which addresses the specific use-after-free condition in win32k.sys. organizations should prioritize patch management and ensure all affected windows systems receive the security update immediately. additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit user access, disabling unnecessary graphics features that may trigger the vulnerability, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity. system administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing code that could exploit this vulnerability. the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the risks associated with running unsupported operating systems where security updates are no longer provided. organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous kernel-mode behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.