CVE-2013-1256 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, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 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 • 05/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1256 represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This issue affects a broad range of Windows versions including XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1. The race condition occurs in the kernel-mode drivers that handle user interface operations, specifically in the win32k.sys file which manages graphics and windowing functionality. This flaw enables local attackers to escalate privileges and access arbitrary kernel memory locations, fundamentally compromising system security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the win32k.sys driver during certain operations involving user interface objects. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously, the race condition creates a window where the system state can be manipulated by an attacker. This particular flaw allows a local user to craft a malicious application that can exploit the timing issue to gain elevated privileges, typically from user-level to kernel-level access. The vulnerability is distinct from other issues addressed in MS13-016, indicating it operates through different attack vectors and exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1256 is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, which can expose sensitive system information, credentials, and other confidential data. This privilege escalation vulnerability enables attackers to bypass standard security controls and potentially access system resources that should be protected. The local nature of the exploit means that an attacker must already have a user account on the target system, but once exploited, the attacker can gain complete control over the kernel memory space. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1256 primarily involve applying the official Microsoft security 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 least privilege principles and restricting local user access can reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious process activity can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in concurrent programming, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through local exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel-mode exploit detection mechanisms and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts.