CVE-2013-3940 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Graphics Device Interface (GDI) 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 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, and Windows RT Gold and 8.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted image in a Windows Write (.wri) document, which is not properly handled in WordPad, aka "Graphics Device Interface Integer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The CVE-2013-3940 vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Graphics Device Interface component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft Windows versions including XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows RT. The flaw specifically manifests when processing crafted image data within Windows Write (.wri) documents through the WordPad application, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-190 as an integer overflow, which represents a fundamental issue in how integer values are handled during arithmetic operations within the system's graphics subsystem. The vulnerability exists in the GDI component's handling of image dimensions and memory allocation parameters, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate integer values beyond their maximum representable range.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted .wri document containing specially constructed image data is opened by WordPad or any application that utilizes the affected GDI functionality. During the processing of these malformed image files, the integer overflow causes memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or any method that delivers a .wri document to a target system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential denial of service conditions where system stability is compromised through memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The integer overflow specifically affects the memory allocation routines within GDI, where the system attempts to allocate memory based on manipulated integer values that exceed normal bounds, leading to buffer overflows and subsequent memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3940 is significant across enterprise environments as it affects multiple versions of Windows that were widely deployed in corporate and government networks. Organizations running affected systems face potential compromise of user data, system availability, and network integrity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or local credentials, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation. Security professionals must consider the broader implications for patch management strategies, as this vulnerability affects both client and server operating systems. The flaw's presence in WordPad applications makes it especially concerning since many users regularly open documents from untrusted sources, creating numerous potential attack vectors. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy systems that may not receive continued support. The integer overflow in GDI components represents a foundational security issue that can be exploited to bypass traditional security controls and gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3940 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying integer overflow in the GDI component. Organizations should implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of .wri documents from untrusted sources and consider disabling WordPad functionality in enterprise environments where possible. Network-based security controls such as email filtering and web proxy configurations can help prevent delivery of malicious .wri documents to user systems. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts through security information and event management systems, looking for unusual memory allocation patterns or process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues in other system components. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening documents from unknown sources and the importance of keeping systems updated with the latest security patches. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle such memory corruption vulnerabilities.