CVE-2013-1275 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-2013-1275 represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw exists in multiple 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 affecting the windowing subsystem that manages graphical user interface elements and system calls related to window management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the win32k.sys driver during the processing of user-mode applications that interact with kernel-mode components. When a malicious application attempts to exploit this race condition, it can manipulate the timing of kernel-mode operations to achieve privilege escalation. The flaw allows local attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges, enabling them to access arbitrary kernel memory locations without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in concurrent systems, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, potentially exposing sensitive system information including passwords, encryption keys, and other confidential data stored in kernel memory. The privilege escalation aspect means that even if an attacker initially has only user-level access, they can elevate their privileges to gain full system control. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, making it extremely difficult to detect and mitigate through standard user-mode security measures. The exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access that is nearly impossible to trace through conventional forensic methods.
The attack vector requires a local user to execute a crafted application that can trigger the race condition in win32k.sys. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited by malicious software already present on the system or by social engineering attacks that trick users into running malicious code. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is distinct from other issues addressed in MS13-016, indicating it represents a separate and unique flaw in the Windows kernel. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to initiate, and the kernel-mode nature of the flaw means that standard security software may not be able to prevent or detect the exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates, implementing least privilege principles, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity through advanced endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous memory access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper kernel-mode synchronization and memory management practices, as outlined in various security frameworks including those based on the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques that specifically target kernel-level vulnerabilities.