CVE-2013-1265 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 • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1265 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 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. The race condition occurs in the kernel-mode drivers that handle user interface components, specifically those related to window management and graphics rendering operations.
The technical flaw stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the win32k.sys driver when processing certain user-mode application requests that interact with kernel-mode components. During the execution of specific operations involving window creation, manipulation, or destruction, the driver fails to properly validate or synchronize access to shared kernel memory structures. This race condition creates a window of opportunity where malicious applications can exploit timing discrepancies to manipulate kernel memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to kernel level access, effectively bypassing operating system security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments where multiple users may be logged into the same system. Attackers can leverage this race condition to gain unauthorized access to sensitive kernel memory locations, potentially allowing them to read privileged information, manipulate system processes, or extract credentials from memory. This capability enables attackers to perform privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where attackers can gain initial foothold through other means.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1265 primarily focus on implementing proper system updates and patches provided by microsoft as part of their security bulletin ms13-016. organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates to address the underlying race condition in win32k.sys. additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, reducing user privileges where possible, and monitoring for unusual kernel-mode activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. security professionals should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. from a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumeration cwes related to race conditions and improper synchronization, while also mapping to attack techniques in the attack tree framework that involve privilege escalation and kernel exploitation. organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of windows and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.