CVE-2013-3128 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT, and .NET Framework 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4, and 4.5, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OpenType font (OTF) file, aka "OpenType Font Parsing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2021
The CVE-2013-3128 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems and .NET Framework implementations that enables remote code execution through malicious OpenType font files. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products spanning multiple operating system versions including Windows XP through Windows 8, along with various Server editions and .NET Framework versions. The flaw specifically resides in kernel-mode drivers responsible for processing OpenType font files, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of the operating system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, where the kernel-mode driver fails to properly validate font data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user opens or previews a specially crafted malicious OTF file, triggering the vulnerable kernel-mode driver to process malformed font data. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, bypassing standard security mechanisms such as user access control and data execution prevention. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or any means that delivers a malicious font file to a victim system, making it highly suitable for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3128 is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation results in complete system compromise with the attacker gaining full administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects systems running on multiple architectures and operating system versions, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. Organizations with outdated systems or those unable to patch immediately face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond viewing the malicious font file, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might encounter such files through legitimate business processes or automated system operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying memory corruption issue in the font processing drivers. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies and restrict the execution of font files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help prevent exploitation by limiting the attack surface. System administrators should monitor for suspicious font file activity and implement endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious font file processing. Additionally, regular security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected font files, particularly those received through email or downloaded from untrusted websites. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how legacy systems remain particularly vulnerable to such kernel-level exploits, reinforcing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both current and historical security flaws.