CVE-2013-1276 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-2013-1276 represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This issue affects a wide range of 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 manifests in the kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling user interface operations, specifically within the Windows Graphics Device Interface. The flaw allows local attackers to exploit a timing window where kernel memory structures become temporarily accessible through improper synchronization mechanisms, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and memory access violations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition in the win32k.sys driver that governs the Windows kernel's handling of graphical user interface elements. When a malicious application attempts to manipulate kernel memory structures through improper synchronization of concurrent access operations, it can trigger a scenario where memory locations become accessible without proper authorization. This race condition occurs during the processing of user interface messages and graphics operations, where multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel memory resources simultaneously. The flaw stems from inadequate locking mechanisms and improper handling of kernel memory management operations that should be protected from concurrent access by unauthorized processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1276 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include the potential for arbitrary kernel memory reading capabilities. An attacker with local access can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive kernel memory locations, potentially extracting critical system information, credentials, or other confidential data stored in kernel space. This capability significantly amplifies the attack surface and allows for more sophisticated exploitation techniques including information disclosure attacks and advanced persistent threat operations. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-362 indicates a weakness in concurrent execution handling, specifically related to improper synchronization of access to shared resources. The attack vector requires local system access but provides substantial privileges that can be leveraged for further compromise of the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the security patches released by Microsoft as part of MS13-016, which address the underlying race condition in win32k.sys. System administrators should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all affected Windows systems to eliminate the exploitation risk. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege access controls, disabling unnecessary user access to system resources, and monitoring for unusual kernel memory access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the Windows kernel through race condition exploitation methods. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious kernel-mode activities and potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls by operating within kernel space where most user-mode protections are ineffective.