CVE-2013-1260 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-2013-1260 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 Windows xp service pack 2 and 3, windows server 2003 service pack 2, windows vista service pack 2, windows server 2008 service pack 2 and r2 with service pack 1, and windows 7 gold and service pack 1 versions. The race condition occurs in the kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling graphics and user interface operations, specifically within the win32k.sys file that manages windowing system functionality. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows local attackers to escalate privileges from user-level access to kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing operating system security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a timing-dependent flaw in how the win32k.sys driver processes certain graphics operations and memory management functions. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this race condition, it manipulates the timing of specific kernel-mode operations to create a window where memory access controls are temporarily bypassed. This allows the attacker to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, which can contain sensitive information such as credentials, encryption keys, or other privileged data. The race condition manifests when multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously, creating a scenario where the system's normal synchronization mechanisms fail to prevent concurrent access to vulnerable memory regions. This vulnerability is classified under cwe-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software systems, and represents a classic example of a time-of-check to time-of-use vulnerability pattern.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1260 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve privilege escalation and kernel memory access. Once successfully exploited, local users can gain full administrative privileges on the affected systems, enabling them to perform actions such as installing malicious software, modifying system files, accessing sensitive data, and potentially establishing persistent backdoors. The ability to read arbitrary kernel memory locations means that attackers can extract confidential information that would normally be protected from user-level access, including passwords stored in memory, cryptographic keys, and other sensitive system data. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the kernel space, making detection and prevention extremely difficult, and it can be exploited by any local user with basic access to the system. The flaw affects the fundamental security model of windows operating systems by undermining the isolation between user processes and kernel memory space.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1260 primarily involve applying the relevant microsoft security updates and patches that address the race condition in win32k.sys. Microsoft released security bulletin ms13-016 which specifically targets this vulnerability, and system administrators should ensure all affected systems receive these patches immediately. Additionally, implementing additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary graphics services, restricting local user access to system resources, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing and potentially exploiting this vulnerability. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access capabilities, specifically targeting the windows kernel memory space and leveraging race condition exploitation methods. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel-mode code and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of system drivers before deployment. System administrators should also maintain comprehensive monitoring and logging of kernel-level activities to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the race condition itself may not be immediately apparent through standard security monitoring tools.