CVE-2013-1269 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 • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1269 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 Windows 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 responsible for handling user interface operations, specifically within the windowing subsystem that manages graphical user interface elements and system calls related to window management. This flaw is particularly significant because it allows local attackers with limited privileges to escalate their access and gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions that should normally be protected from user-mode applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the win32k.sys driver when processing certain user-mode API calls. When multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously, the lack of proper locking mechanisms creates a window where malicious code can exploit the timing gap between resource checks and actual resource manipulation. This race condition manifests when a crafted application attempts to manipulate window objects and system resources in a specific sequence that causes the kernel driver to process inconsistent states. The vulnerability is classified as a race condition under CWE-362, which specifically addresses concurrent execution conditions where the order of execution affects the program's behavior and security posture. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard user-mode security controls and gaining access to sensitive kernel memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1269 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides local attackers with a pathway to achieve privilege escalation from standard user accounts to SYSTEM level privileges. Once exploited, successful exploitation allows attackers to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, which can reveal sensitive information including passwords, encryption keys, and other critical system data. This capability enables attackers to perform advanced persistent threat operations, escalate their access further within compromised systems, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may have legitimate access but could be compromised through social engineering or other attack vectors. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes privilege escalation through local system exploitation, and T1003 which covers credential dumping from memory.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1269 primarily involve applying the security patches released by Microsoft as part of MS13-016, which addressed the specific race condition in the win32k.sys driver. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions to eliminate the vulnerability at its source. Additionally, implementing security measures such as disabling unnecessary user privileges, monitoring for unusual system behavior, and employing kernel-mode protection mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper synchronization in kernel-mode drivers and highlights the critical need for thorough security testing of system components that handle concurrent access to shared resources. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous patterns consistent with privilege escalation attempts. The remediation process requires careful planning to avoid system instability, as kernel-mode driver patches can sometimes introduce compatibility issues with existing applications or hardware configurations.