CVE-2013-1285 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The USB 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, and Windows Server 2012 do not properly handle objects in memory, which allows physically proximate attackers to execute arbitrary code by connecting a crafted USB device, aka "Windows USB Descriptor Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1286 and CVE-2013-1287.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The Windows USB descriptor vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in kernel-mode drivers that affects multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability resides within the usb subsystem and specifically targets how the operating system processes usb device descriptors during device enumeration. The flaw allows attackers with physical proximity to a target system to execute arbitrary code simply by connecting a maliciously crafted usb device to the machine. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privileges are highest, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges and gain complete system control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the usb kernel drivers when processing device descriptors. When a usb device connects to a vulnerable system, the kernel attempts to parse the device descriptor structure to determine device capabilities and configuration parameters. The flaw occurs during this parsing process where insufficient bounds checking and memory validation allows for buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. Attackers can craft specific usb descriptors that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, trigger memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The attack vector requires physical access to the target system, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited in targeted attacks or through social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include full system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain kernel-level privileges that allow them to bypass all standard security controls, including user access controls, application whitelisting, and antivirus protections. The attack can be particularly devastating in enterprise environments where administrators may not be aware of the physical security posture of their systems. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for mobile computing environments where users frequently connect various usb devices, potentially exposing systems to attacks from untrusted usb peripherals. The vulnerability affects a wide range of windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with a broad attack surface across multiple windows versions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the broader physical security posture of affected systems. Microsoft released security patches for this vulnerability as part of their regular update cycle, and organizations should ensure all systems are properly patched. Additional mitigations include implementing usb device whitelisting policies, disabling usb autorun functionality, and deploying usb device monitoring solutions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of physical security controls, as attackers need only physical proximity to exploit this flaw. Organizations should consider implementing usb port lockdown mechanisms and establishing clear policies regarding usb device usage. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use the kernel-level access to establish persistent backdoors and maintain long-term access to compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of patch status for this specific vulnerability to ensure comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.