CVE-2013-3167 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, and Windows 7 SP1 does not properly handle objects in memory, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2021
The CVE-2013-3167 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver win32k.sys affecting multiple Windows operating systems from xp through windows 7. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode drivers that handle user interface components and graphics operations, specifically in how the system manages memory objects during user interface rendering processes. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing the operating system's security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper handling of objects in memory within the win32k.sys driver, which is responsible for processing graphics and user interface elements. This driver operates at the highest privilege level within the Windows kernel, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that manipulates memory objects in ways that trigger undefined behavior within the win32k.sys driver. When the driver processes these malformed objects, it fails to properly validate memory access patterns, leading to potential code execution in kernel space. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling them to bypass standard security controls, access protected system resources, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The exploit typically involves creating specific memory structures that cause the driver to behave unpredictably when processing user interface elements such as windows, menus, and graphics operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3167 is severe as it provides local attackers with complete system compromise capabilities without requiring network access or special privileges. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain kernel-level access, which provides them with unrestricted control over the target system. This includes the ability to read and modify any memory location, access all files and data, install malware, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows operating systems, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across multiple platform versions. The exploit requires only local access to the target system, meaning attackers could leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including social engineering, drive-by downloads, or compromised legitimate applications that run with standard user privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where local access might be more easily obtained.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3167 primarily involve applying the official Microsoft security patches released in the July 2013 security update bulletin. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions such as xp and server 2003, which are no longer supported but may still be in use. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized code execution, enabling address space layout randomization and data execution prevention features, and monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns in system logs. The vulnerability aligns with several attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as well as conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems that may not have received the necessary patches. Organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability and ensure that their incident response procedures include specific protocols for handling kernel-level privilege escalation attacks.