CVE-2013-1339 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Print Spooler in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT does not properly manage memory during deletion of printer connections, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request, aka "Print Spooler Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The CVE-2013-1339 vulnerability represents a critical memory management flaw within the Windows Print Spooler service that affects multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically targets the spooler service's handling of printer connection deletion operations, creating a condition where improper memory management can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. The flaw exists in the way the print spooler service processes requests related to printer connection cleanup, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's impact spans across windows vista sp2, windows server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1, windows 7 sp1, windows 8, windows server 2012, and windows rt, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. This memory corruption issue arises during the deletion phase of printer connections, where the service fails to properly validate or handle memory references that should be released, creating opportunities for code execution attacks.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2013-1339 occurs when an authenticated user sends a specially crafted print request that triggers the vulnerable memory handling code path during printer connection deletion. This vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations, as the memory corruption manifests through improper memory management during deletion processes. Attackers can leverage this weakness by constructing malicious printer connection requests that cause the print spooler to access invalid memory locations or write data beyond allocated buffers. The vulnerability's remote execution capability stems from the fact that the print spooler service runs with sufficient privileges to allow authenticated users to submit requests that can trigger the memory corruption. This attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and script injection, as the successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1339 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to compromised systems and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the print spooler service, which typically runs with high privileges on windows systems. This elevated access can facilitate further lateral movement within the network, as attackers can use the compromised print spooler service as a foothold to access other systems. The vulnerability's presence in multiple windows versions makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where various operating system versions coexist, potentially allowing attackers to target the most vulnerable system in a mixed environment. Organizations with extensive printer infrastructure face heightened risk, as the print spooler service is often enabled and accessible across networked systems, providing multiple attack vectors for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1339 should focus on immediate patch application and network segmentation to limit the attack surface. Microsoft released security update kb2813430 to address this vulnerability, and organizations must ensure all affected systems receive this patch promptly. Additional protective measures include disabling the print spooler service when not required, implementing network access controls to restrict printer connection requests, and monitoring print spooler service logs for suspicious activity. The vulnerability's authentication requirement means that organizations should enforce strong credential policies and consider implementing additional access controls for print services. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with print spooler exploitation attempts, as the attack behavior may differ from typical network traffic patterns. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on print services can help identify additional weaknesses that may compound the risks associated with this vulnerability.