CVE-2016-0026 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Common Log File System (CLFS) driver in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3332, CVE-2016-3333, CVE-2016-3334, CVE-2016-3335, CVE-2016-3338, CVE-2016-3340, CVE-2016-3342, CVE-2016-3343, and CVE-2016-7184.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0026 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Common Log File System (CLFS) driver component of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 versions 1511 and 1607, and Windows Server 2016. The CLFS driver serves as a logging mechanism that manages transactional log files, providing a structured approach for applications to write transactional data to log files. The flaw specifically resides in how the driver handles certain input validation processes, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied data within the CLFS driver's kernel-mode code. When a malicious application interacts with the CLFS subsystem, it can manipulate specific parameters that control how log file operations are processed. This manipulation allows the attacker to corrupt kernel memory structures or manipulate driver behavior in ways that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests through a more complex privilege escalation mechanism. Attackers can craft specific applications that leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code in kernel space, effectively gaining complete control over the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0026 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise environments where Windows systems are prevalent. Local users who can execute code on a vulnerable system can immediately escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, which provides complete administrative access to all system resources, files, and processes. This elevation of privilege enables attackers to install malware, modify system configurations, steal sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity or external exploitation, making it a prime target for insider threats or attackers who have already gained initial access to a system through other means. The attack vector is typically initiated through a local application that the user can legitimately execute, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0026 should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates in March 2016 that addressed this vulnerability through proper input validation and memory management improvements within the CLFS driver. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security patches, particularly for systems running the affected Windows versions. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege controls can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for suspicious privilege escalation events and ensure that only authorized applications have access to CLFS-related functionalities. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can further reduce the attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, making it essential for security teams to monitor for these specific attack patterns in their environments.