CVE-2016-0018 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandle DLL loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "DLL Loading Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2022
This vulnerability resides in the dynamic link library loading mechanism of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems including Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows 10 versions Gold and 1511. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to load dynamic link libraries from insecure paths, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-74 as it involves the injection of dynamic link libraries through insecure library loading practices. The core technical issue stems from the Windows loader's behavior when searching for DLLs, particularly when the current working directory is not properly secured or when applications fail to specify full paths for library loading operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by manipulating the DLL loading sequence. Attackers can place malicious DLL files in directories that Windows searches before the legitimate system directories, causing the system to load the malicious code instead of the intended library. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of privilege escalation techniques through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability specifically enables local privilege escalation from standard user accounts to SYSTEM level privileges, representing a significant security risk for enterprise environments where users may have access to potentially malicious applications.
The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious application that places a specially crafted DLL in a directory that Windows will search during the loading process. When a legitimate application attempts to load a library, the system loads the malicious DLL instead, executing the attacker's code with the privileges of the target application. This vulnerability has been classified as a remote code execution vulnerability because while the initial attack vector may be local, it can potentially be leveraged in combination with other techniques to achieve broader system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where the current working directory is not properly secured or where applications are not properly configured to use secure DLL loading practices, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple applications may be running with elevated privileges.
Organizations should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability including ensuring that all applications use secure DLL loading practices by specifying full paths when loading libraries, implementing proper directory permissions, and utilizing application whitelisting solutions. The Windows operating system should be updated with the appropriate security patches released by Microsoft to address the specific DLL loading vulnerabilities. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious DLL loading activities and implement security controls that prevent unauthorized DLL placement in system directories. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying security solutions that can detect and prevent malicious DLL loading behaviors as part of their overall security posture. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper system configuration in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire enterprise environments.