CVE-2013-3196 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The NT Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) subsystem in 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 validate kernel-memory addresses, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Memory Corruption Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3197 and CVE-2013-3198.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3196 represents a critical kernel memory corruption flaw within the NT Virtual DOS Machine subsystem of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects 32-bit platforms running Windows XP SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows 8. The NTVDM subsystem serves as a compatibility layer that allows 16-bit dos applications to run on 32-bit Windows operating systems, creating a complex execution environment that introduces unique security considerations. The flaw stems from improper validation of kernel-memory addresses within this subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can result in either privilege escalation or system denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the NTVDM subsystem's failure to properly validate memory addresses during kernel operations. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the NTVDM subsystem, it can manipulate memory addresses in ways that bypass normal kernel security checks. This memory corruption occurs because the subsystem does not adequately verify the legitimacy of memory addresses before allowing operations to proceed. The vulnerability manifests when a crafted application triggers specific memory access patterns that exploit the lack of proper validation mechanisms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, as the subsystem reads memory locations that should be protected or validated before access. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation in kernel space, where the absence of proper address validation creates exploitable conditions for memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3196 extends beyond simple system instability to encompass serious privilege escalation capabilities that can be leveraged by local attackers. An attacker with local access to a vulnerable system can potentially execute code with kernel-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire system. This elevation of privileges occurs because the memory corruption allows the malicious application to manipulate kernel data structures or execute arbitrary code within the kernel context. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that attackers do not require network access or remote exploitation capabilities to exploit the flaw. Additionally, the vulnerability can be used to cause denial of service conditions by corrupting kernel memory, leading to system crashes or reboots that can disrupt legitimate system operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1499: Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables both privilege escalation and system disruption through kernel-level memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3196 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through proper kernel memory validation mechanisms within the NTVDM subsystem. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches to all affected systems, particularly those running legacy Windows operating systems that continue to support 16-bit applications. For environments where patching cannot be immediately implemented, operational mitigations include disabling the NTVDM subsystem entirely if 16-bit application compatibility is not required. Security administrators should also monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized applications from triggering the vulnerability. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level memory corruption makes traditional endpoint protection solutions less effective, requiring more fundamental system-level mitigations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to systems running vulnerable Windows versions, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation attempts.