CVE-2013-3864 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, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Multiple Fetch Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-1342, CVE-2013-1343, CVE-2013-1344, and CVE-2013-3865.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2021
The CVE-2013-3864 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects a wide range of Windows versions including 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. The flaw resides in the kernel-mode drivers responsible for handling user interface operations and window management functions, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the highest privilege level of the operating system. This vulnerability is classified as a "Win32k Multiple Fetch Vulnerability" which distinguishes it from other related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2013-1342, CVE-2013-1343, CVE-2013-1344, and CVE-2013-3865, each representing distinct attack vectors within the same vulnerable subsystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a crafted application that leverages improper input validation within the win32k.sys driver. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the kernel-mode driver through specific window management functions, it can trigger memory access violations that allow an attacker to manipulate kernel memory structures. This particular flaw enables a local user to escalate privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access, which represents the highest privilege level in Windows operating systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking and memory management within the driver's handling of user input, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate pointer values or buffer contents in ways that bypass normal privilege checks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" categories, representing classic memory corruption issues that enable privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3864 is severe and far-reaching given the widespread deployment of affected Windows versions across enterprise environments and consumer systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected system, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges, access all system resources, modify or delete critical files, and establish persistent backdoors. The local privilege escalation nature means that attackers do not require network access or complex remote exploitation techniques, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location where a user can run applications on the target system. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1059: "Command and Scripting Interpreter" categories, as it provides the foundational access necessary for more sophisticated attack chains.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches that address the win32k.sys memory corruption issues. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as enabling kernel-mode patch protection, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond running a malicious application, making it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional user awareness training alone. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual privilege escalation events, unauthorized access to kernel memory regions, and suspicious process creation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Given the broad range of affected systems, comprehensive vulnerability management programs should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all supported Windows platforms, as the attack surface remains significant even in modern enterprise environments where legacy systems may still be operational.