CVE-2014-4076 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted IOCTL call to (1) tcpip.sys or (2) tcpip6.sys, aka "TCP/IP Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 that enables local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level through manipulation of kernel-mode device drivers. The vulnerability specifically affects the tcpip.sys and tcpip6.sys kernel drivers which handle network protocol processing, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages core networking functionality that is essential for system operation. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the driver's IOCTL (Input/Output Control) handling mechanisms, allowing maliciously crafted IOCTL requests to bypass normal security checks and execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow or improper validation scenario where the kernel drivers fail to properly validate the parameters passed through IOCTL calls. When a local user crafts a malicious IOCTL request with specially constructed parameters, the driver processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow', and CWE-122, which covers 'Heap-based Buffer Overflow', as the exploitation typically involves corrupting memory structures within the kernel space. The vulnerability exists because the kernel drivers lack proper bounds checking on user-supplied data, particularly in how they handle the size and content of input parameters during IOCTL processing.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations running Windows Server 2003 systems, as local privilege escalation can lead to complete system compromise. An attacker with low-privilege access can leverage this flaw to gain system-level control, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system files, create new user accounts, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local access to the system, meaning that any user with legitimate access can potentially exploit this vulnerability. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potential network-wide consequences, as attackers can use elevated privileges to pivot through networks or establish persistent access points. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1059, 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with system-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through Microsoft security updates, as the vendor released patches specifically addressing this issue in their regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize patching Windows Server 2003 systems, though due to the end-of-life status of this operating system, alternative approaches may be necessary including network segmentation, implementing strict access controls, disabling unnecessary network services, and monitoring for suspicious IOCTL activity in system logs. Additionally, implementing kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms and using application whitelisting can provide defense-in-depth measures to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how legacy systems become increasingly vulnerable as support ends, making regular security assessments and system modernization critical for maintaining organizational security posture.