CVE-2013-1283 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, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application that leverages improper handling of objects in memory, aka "Win32k Race Condition Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2021
The CVE-2013-1283 vulnerability represents a critical race condition flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability exists in multiple Windows versions including XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. The flaw stems from improper handling of objects in memory during concurrent access scenarios, creating a window where malicious code can exploit temporal inconsistencies in kernel-level operations. This race condition specifically affects the Win32k.sys driver which manages user-mode graphics components and windowing system functionality, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a timing-dependent flaw where multiple threads or processes access shared kernel memory objects simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms. When a crafted application attempts to manipulate graphics objects or windowing system resources, the race condition allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the object management routines within win32k.sys where reference counting and object lifecycle management fail to account for concurrent access patterns. This flaw is categorized under CWE-362, which describes Race Conditions in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. The improper handling of kernel objects during concurrent operations creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate object states to achieve unauthorized access to privileged system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1283 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries and gain complete control over affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited through local means, making it highly effective in targeted attacks or when combined with other exploitation techniques. Once successfully exploited, attackers can modify system files, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by its presence across multiple Windows versions, increasing the potential attack surface and making it a preferred target for malware authors and advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1283 should prioritize immediate patch application from Microsoft, as the vulnerability was addressed through security updates released in March 2013. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit user access rights, monitoring for suspicious process behavior related to graphics and windowing system components, and employing endpoint protection solutions that can detect exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary graphics functionality and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of malicious code that might exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-mode race condition makes traditional user-mode protections insufficient, requiring system-level security measures and careful monitoring of kernel-level activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.