CVE-2013-1248 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT allows local users to gain privileges, and consequently read the contents of arbitrary kernel memory locations, via a crafted application, a different vulnerability than other CVEs listed in MS13-016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1248 represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows versions including XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. The race condition occurs in the kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling graphical user interface operations, specifically within the win32k.sys module that manages windowing and graphics functions. The flaw stems from improper synchronization mechanisms that allow concurrent access to shared resources without adequate protection against simultaneous read and write operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables local attackers to escalate privileges from standard user level to kernel-level access, providing them with the ability to read arbitrary kernel memory locations. This privilege escalation occurs through a carefully crafted application that takes advantage of the race condition timing window in the win32k.sys driver. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to bypass typical security boundaries and access sensitive kernel memory areas that contain critical system information, credentials, and other privileged data. The race condition manifests when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same kernel memory location simultaneously without proper locking mechanisms, creating a window where malicious code can manipulate the system state.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1248 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with direct access to kernel memory spaces that contain sensitive information and system structures. This access enables sophisticated attacks including credential theft, system state manipulation, and potential full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-362 indicates a weakness in concurrent execution handling, specifically related to race conditions that can lead to privilege escalation. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1248 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security updates and patches released as part of MS13-016. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions to eliminate the race condition in win32k.sys. Additionally, implementing security measures such as kernel patch protection, driver signature enforcement, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through social engineering attacks where attackers might convince users to run malicious applications that trigger the race condition. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of kernel memory access patterns and privilege escalation attempts.