CVE-2013-1270 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 described in CVE-2013-1270 represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw exists in multiple 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, and windows 7 gold and service pack 1. The race condition occurs in the kernel-mode drivers that handle graphical user interface operations, specifically affecting the win32k.sys driver which manages windowing system functionality. This vulnerability is particularly significant because it allows local users to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions that should normally be protected from user-mode applications.
The technical implementation of this race condition involves a timing issue in the win32k.sys driver where concurrent operations can lead to improper memory management and access control. When a crafted application executes, it can manipulate the timing of kernel operations to exploit the race condition, potentially causing the system to grant elevated privileges to the malicious process. This allows the attacker to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, effectively bypassing the kernel-mode protection mechanisms that normally prevent user-mode applications from accessing sensitive system memory. The vulnerability differs from other issues addressed in ms13-016, indicating it represents a distinct attack surface that requires specific exploitation techniques targeting the windowing subsystem.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a severe threat to system security as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can result in complete system compromise. An attacker with low-privilege user access can leverage this vulnerability to gain kernel-level privileges, which would allow them to access all system resources, read sensitive kernel memory, and potentially execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as kernel-level access enables attackers to modify system integrity checks, disable security features, and establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of windows operating systems by allowing unauthorized access to the kernel memory space that should remain protected from user-mode applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several attack patterns documented in the attack tree methodology, particularly those involving privilege escalation and kernel exploitation techniques. It can be categorized under common weakness enumeration cwe-362 which describes race conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper synchronization in kernel-mode code can lead to security breaches. Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the microsoft security update released as part of ms13-016, which addresses the specific race condition in win32k.sys. Additionally, system administrators should implement least privilege principles, regularly update operating systems, and monitor for suspicious kernel-mode activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper kernel-mode driver security testing and the need for robust synchronization mechanisms in system components that handle user interface operations, as these components often have extensive access to system resources and must maintain strict security boundaries between user and kernel modes.