CVE-2013-1341 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Multiple Fetch Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1341 resides within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that affects multiple versions including Windows xp sp2 and sp3, windows server 2003 sp2, windows vista sp2, windows server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1, windows 7 sp1, and windows 8. This issue stems from a multiple fetch vulnerability within the win32k.sys driver which handles user interface components and graphics rendering operations at the kernel level, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking elevated system privileges.
The technical flaw manifests as a vulnerability in how the win32k.sys driver processes certain graphical operations and user interface elements, specifically involving multiple fetch operations that fail to properly validate input parameters or memory boundaries. This allows a local attacker to craft a malicious application that can manipulate the driver's behavior through carefully constructed input data, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution within kernel context. The vulnerability operates by exploiting improper handling of user-mode input that gets processed by kernel-mode components, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks that bypass standard security mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the validation of input data within kernel-mode drivers, specifically categorized under CWE-125: out-of-bounds read, which is a fundamental memory safety issue that allows attackers to access memory locations beyond intended boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1341 is severe as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level execution, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system. This privilege escalation capability allows attackers to bypass typical security controls including user access controls, file permissions, and other security mechanisms that normally protect system resources. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability provides attackers with the ability to install malicious software, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The attack vector requires local system access, meaning that an attacker must already have a user account on the target system, but the resulting privilege escalation provides complete system compromise. This vulnerability has been categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique using kernel vulnerabilities, specifically mapping to techniques involving exploitation of operating system kernel flaws to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1341 primarily focus on applying the relevant security updates provided by Microsoft, which include patches that address the underlying validation issues within the win32k.sys driver. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems receive immediate patch deployment, particularly given that this vulnerability affects long-supported operating systems that may still be in use within enterprise environments. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious applications, enabling user access control features, and maintaining comprehensive monitoring of system activities for signs of privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the inherent risks associated with running unsupported operating system versions that no longer receive security updates from vendors.