CVE-2014-4064 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft 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 do not properly handle use of the paged kernel pool for allocation of uninitialized memory, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information about kernel addresses via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Pool Allocation Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers that affects multiple operating system versions including vista sp2 server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1 windows 7 sp1 windows 8 windows 81 windows server 2012 gold and r2 and windows rt gold and 81 the core issue stems from improper handling of paged kernel pool memory allocation where uninitialized memory is allocated without proper sanitization before being exposed to user-mode applications. the vulnerability is categorized under cwe-200 information exposure and aligns with attack technique t1059 command and scripting interpreter within the mitre att&ck framework where adversaries can leverage such information disclosure to gain insights into kernel memory layout and address spaces.
The technical flaw manifests when kernel-mode drivers allocate memory from the paged pool without adequately clearing or initializing the memory contents before making them accessible to user applications. this improper memory management creates a scenario where sensitive kernel address information remains in memory and can be indirectly accessed through crafted applications that exploit the memory allocation behavior. the vulnerability specifically targets the kernel pool allocation mechanism where uninitialized memory segments contain remnants of previous kernel operations including potentially sensitive addresses and memory structures that should not be exposed to user-mode processes.
From an operational impact perspective this vulnerability enables local users to perform information gathering attacks that can significantly aid in advanced exploitation techniques such as address space layout randomization aslr bypasses and kernel exploitation. attackers can leverage the leaked kernel addresses to construct more sophisticated attacks by predicting memory layouts and overcoming modern security mitigations. the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where unauthorized access to memory addresses can provide attackers with crucial information needed for privilege escalation and system compromise. security researchers have noted that this information disclosure can be combined with other vulnerabilities to create more effective exploitation chains.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying microsoft security updates and patches that address the improper memory handling in kernel drivers specifically targeting the paged pool allocation behavior. organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected windows versions receive timely updates. additional protective measures include enabling kernel address space layout randomization aslr and disabling unnecessary kernel-mode driver functionality where possible. system administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns and unauthorized attempts to access kernel memory spaces. the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory initialization practices in kernel-mode code development and demonstrates how seemingly minor memory management flaws can create significant security risks that affect entire operating system families.