CVE-2016-0014 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandle DLL loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "DLL Loading Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems that stems from improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms. The issue specifically affects Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT Gold and 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 versions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-787 as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs during the DLL loading process, which creates an opportunity for malicious code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical flaw manifests when the Windows operating system fails to properly validate the paths of dynamic link libraries during the loading process. This improper validation allows a local attacker to manipulate the DLL search order and load malicious code in place of legitimate system libraries. The vulnerability exploits the Windows DLL search algorithm that first looks in the current working directory, then in the system directory, and finally in the Windows directory. When an application running with elevated privileges loads a DLL that is not properly specified, the system may inadvertently load a malicious DLL from a location controlled by the attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. This privilege escalation occurs without requiring any user interaction or additional authentication, making the attack particularly dangerous. Attackers can craft malicious applications that, when executed, leverage this vulnerability to load malicious DLLs and gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects both interactive and non-interactive execution scenarios, including automated processes and services that run with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the official Microsoft security patches released as part of the January 2016 security updates. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized applications, configuring the Windows DLL search order to prioritize system directories, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through process monitoring tools. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of privilege escalation techniques through DLL side-loading and dynamic link library loading manipulation. Security teams should also consider implementing security controls such as Windows Defender Application Control and Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit to further protect against similar exploitation techniques that rely on improper DLL loading behaviors.