CVE-2013-1284 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the kernel in Microsoft 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 "Kernel Race Condition Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2021
The CVE-2013-1284 vulnerability represents a critical race condition flaw within the Windows kernel that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of kernel objects in memory, creating a temporal window where malicious code can exploit the system's memory management mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the kernel fails to properly synchronize access to shared resources during concurrent operations, allowing a local attacker with standard user privileges to manipulate kernel objects before they are properly initialized or cleaned up. Such race conditions typically arise from insufficient locking mechanisms or improper object lifecycle management within the kernel's memory subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a crafted application that carefully orchestrates timing attacks against kernel memory objects to achieve privilege escalation. Attackers can manipulate the order of operations in memory management routines, potentially causing the kernel to reference freed memory locations or improperly initialized objects. This manipulation can result in arbitrary code execution within kernel space, providing attackers with SYSTEM level privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's object management subsystem where multiple threads or processes may simultaneously access shared kernel resources without adequate synchronization primitives. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-362, which describes "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation."
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1284 is severe as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire systems without requiring network connectivity or user interaction. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the target system, including the ability to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the kernel space, making detection and prevention extremely challenging. Security researchers have noted that this type of race condition vulnerability is difficult to patch without significant system modifications, as it often requires fundamental changes to the kernel's memory management and synchronization mechanisms. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal user interaction beyond executing the malicious application, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking automated exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1284 primarily involve applying the official Microsoft security updates that address the underlying kernel race condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and exploit protection features can help reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous kernel behavior and unusual privilege escalation events that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining updated security baselines and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include network segmentation, user access controls, and regular security assessments. Microsoft's security response team recommends that administrators prioritize patch deployment and consider implementing additional security measures such as application whitelisting and kernel-mode driver protection to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.