CVE-2013-3136 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8 on 32-bit platforms does not properly handle unspecified page-fault system calls, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory via a crafted application, aka "Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3136 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel operating system. This weakness affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows including legacy systems like Windows xp sp3 and windows server 2003 sp2 alongside newer releases such as windows vista sp2 windows server 2008 sp2 windows 7 sp1 and windows 8 on 32 bit platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of page fault system calls which are fundamental mechanisms used by the operating system to manage memory access violations and handle memory-related exceptions.
The technical flaw manifests when the kernel fails to properly validate or process unspecified page fault system calls that occur during memory operations. Page faults are normal occurrences in operating systems when a process attempts to access memory that is not currently loaded into physical memory or when access permissions are violated. However in this case the kernel's handling of these specific system calls creates an information disclosure channel that allows malicious applications to extract sensitive data from kernel memory spaces. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities as defined by common weakness enumeration cwes and represents a serious security concern that undermines the fundamental memory protection mechanisms of the operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for local attackers who can leverage this flaw to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory locations. This information disclosure could potentially reveal critical system data including memory addresses, kernel structures, security credentials, or other confidential information that could be used to further compromise the system or aid in developing more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where the most sensitive system information is stored and managed, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. According to the attack technique framework the vulnerability aligns with techniques related to information gathering and privilege escalation as outlined in the attack pattern taxonomy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems through microsoft security updates that address the improper handling of page fault system calls. organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches to all affected windows versions to close this information disclosure channel. additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit the potential damage from local exploits, monitoring system logs for suspicious activity related to memory access patterns, and maintaining up-to-date intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual kernel memory access behaviors. the vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization as additional defense-in-depth measures to complicate exploitation attempts.