CVE-2014-0262 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 and Server 2008 R2 SP1 does not properly consider thread-owned objects during the processing of window handles, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Window Handle Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2014-0262 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver component win32k.sys. This vulnerability specifically affects Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 operating systems, where the kernel-mode drivers fail to properly handle thread-owned objects during window handle processing operations. The flaw exists in the win32k.sys driver which manages user-mode graphics components and window management functionality within the Windows kernel space, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious software.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of window handle objects that are owned by threads within the kernel-mode context. When applications interact with window management functions, the win32k.sys driver processes window handles without adequately considering the thread ownership context of these objects. This oversight creates a condition where a local malicious application can manipulate window handle structures in such a way that allows it to escalate privileges from user-level to kernel-level execution. The vulnerability manifests as a race condition or improper object reference management within the driver's window handle processing logic, which aligns with CWE-362: Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Unprotected Critical Section, and potentially CWE-367: Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerability patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local privilege escalation attacks that can be executed by any user account on the compromised system. An attacker with low-privilege access can craft a malicious application that exploits this flaw to gain kernel-level privileges, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and represents a classic example of a local privilege escalation vulnerability that can be leveraged to establish persistent system control. The attack vector involves manipulating window handle objects through kernel-mode APIs, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0262 primarily focus on applying Microsoft's official security updates and patches, which address the underlying flaw in win32k.sys driver behavior. System administrators should ensure all Windows systems are updated with the latest security patches, particularly those released as part of Microsoft's monthly security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles, disabling unnecessary user accounts, and monitoring for suspicious process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous window handle processing patterns or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation through techniques like process hollowing or direct kernel object manipulation, which aligns with ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Regular system audits and vulnerability assessments should specifically target kernel-mode driver vulnerabilities to prevent similar issues from remaining unpatched in enterprise environments.