CVE-2016-0008 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The graphics device interface 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 allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via unspecified vectors, aka "Windows GDI32.dll ASLR Bypass Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2022
The Windows GDI32.dll ASLR bypass vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft operating systems that undermines fundamental memory protection mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the Graphics Device Interface component that manages graphical operations across the Windows platform, affecting a broad range of systems from Windows Vista to Windows 8.1 and their respective server variants. The flaw allows remote attackers to circumvent Address Space Layout Randomization protections, which are essential defenses against memory corruption exploits that rely on predictable memory addresses for code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in how the GDI32.dll library handles memory layout and address randomization during system operation. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors within the graphics device interface to predict or determine memory addresses that would normally be randomized, effectively neutralizing ASLR protections. This bypass mechanism operates at the kernel level where graphics rendering operations are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through remote code execution scenarios. The vulnerability specifically affects the memory management subsystem that governs how graphical resources are allocated and accessed within the Windows operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to bypass multiple layers of security protection that are fundamental to modern operating system security models. When ASLR is defeated, attackers gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Windows systems are deployed, as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to networks. The remote exploit capability means that systems can be compromised without physical access, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale attacks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security patches, disabling unnecessary graphics services, and implementing network segmentation to limit attack surface exposure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055 for privilege escalation and T1068 for local privilege escalation, representing a critical weakness in Windows security architecture. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125 out-of-bounds read conditions and CWE-20 improper input validation, as the graphics subsystem fails to properly validate memory access patterns. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, enhanced monitoring of graphics service operations, and regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting core operating system components.