CVE-2013-1287 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-2013-1285 and CVE-2013-1286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1287 represents a critical flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects kernel-mode USB drivers across multiple platform versions. This issue resides within the USB kernel-mode drivers and specifically involves improper handling of objects in memory during USB device enumeration processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution when a maliciously crafted USB device is connected to an affected system, requiring only physical proximity from an attacker. This attack vector operates without user interaction or elevated privileges, making it exceptionally dangerous in environments where USB devices are frequently connected and disconnected.
The technical root cause of CVE-2013-1287 stems from insufficient validation of USB device descriptors during the device attachment process in Windows kernel space. When a USB device connects to an affected system, the kernel-mode driver processes the device's descriptor information to determine device capabilities and establish proper communication protocols. The flaw occurs when the driver fails to properly validate or sanitize memory objects associated with USB device descriptors, creating a potential buffer overflow condition or memory corruption scenario. This memory handling deficiency allows attackers to craft USB devices with specially formatted descriptors that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, trigger arbitrary code execution within kernel space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition and is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as a hardware tampering technique that leverages physical access to compromise system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to achieve full system compromise without requiring network connectivity or user interaction. Attackers exploiting CVE-2013-1287 can execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms establishment. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems including legacy versions like Windows XP and Server 2003, as well as newer releases such as Windows 7, 8, and Server 2012, making it particularly widespread. Organizations with high-security requirements or those handling sensitive data face increased risk when USB ports are accessible to untrusted users or when physical security controls are inadequate. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only physical proximity, which makes it particularly concerning in public spaces, shared work environments, or areas where unauthorized USB devices might be introduced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1287 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through the regular security bulletin cycle, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems. Beyond patch management, system administrators should implement USB device control policies that restrict unauthorized USB device connections, particularly in high-security environments. The implementation of USB device whitelisting or blacklisting mechanisms can prevent exploitation by limiting which devices can connect to systems. Additionally, network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense. From a defense-in-depth perspective, organizations should consider disabling USB ports on systems where USB functionality is not required, implementing strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized device insertion, and monitoring for unusual USB device connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. These measures align with the ATT&CK tactic of defense evasion and can significantly reduce the attack surface for this particular vulnerability.