CVE-2012-0179 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in tcpip.sys in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and R2 SP1 and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application that binds an IPv6 address to a local interface, aka "TCP/IP Double Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2021
The CVE-2012-0179 vulnerability represents a critical double free error in the tcpip.sys kernel driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw exists within the TCP/IP protocol implementation that governs network communications at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to elevate privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability specifically affects Windows Server 2008 R2 and its SP1 release, as well as Windows 7 in both its original Gold release and Service Pack 1 version, indicating a widespread impact across Microsoft's enterprise and desktop operating system families. The double free condition occurs when the kernel driver improperly handles memory allocation and deallocation processes, creating a scenario where the same memory block can be freed twice, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local attacker to craft a malicious application that specifically binds an IPv6 address to a local network interface. This particular method of exploitation leverages the IPv6 protocol handling within the tcpip.sys driver, where the flaw manifests during the processing of network address binding operations. The attack vector is classified as local privilege escalation since it does not require network access or remote exploitation capabilities, making it particularly concerning for environments where user access is not strictly controlled. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-415 which describes "Double Free" conditions in software development, where memory management errors lead to undefined behavior and potential code execution.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations running affected Windows versions, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. The privilege escalation capability means that a local attacker with minimal access can potentially gain administrative control over the entire system, including access to sensitive data, system configuration, and the ability to install malicious software. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can use the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, especially in environments where multiple users have access to shared systems or where privilege separation is not properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0179 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through Microsoft's security updates, particularly the MS12-006 patch released in January 2012. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. System administrators should monitor for unusual network activity or privilege escalation attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that IPv6 protocols are properly configured or disabled where not required. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can provide attackers with the most direct path to system compromise, making regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs essential for maintaining operational security.