CVE-2016-0041 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 and 1511, and Internet Explorer 10 and 11 mishandle DLL loading, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "DLL Loading Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems and Internet Explorer browsers that stems from improper dynamic link library loading mechanisms. The issue affects a broad range of Microsoft products including Windows Vista SP2 through Windows 10 version 1511, as well as Internet Explorer 10 and 11. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which occurs when applications search for libraries in insecure locations that could be manipulated by attackers. The flaw manifests when Windows applications or Internet Explorer process DLL loading requests without properly validating the search path, allowing malicious actors to place specially crafted DLL files in locations that will be loaded before legitimate system libraries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves local attackers who can manipulate the DLL search order by placing malicious DLL files in directories that are searched before the legitimate system directories. When a vulnerable application loads a library, it follows a predetermined search order that includes the current working directory, system directories, and other locations. If an attacker can control or influence the current working directory or place malicious DLLs in directories that are searched before legitimate system libraries, they can cause the system to execute malicious code with the privileges of the target application. This behavior is particularly dangerous when applications run with elevated privileges, as it can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1546 Persistence.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems without requiring remote access or complex exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this flaw by creating malicious DLL files that mimic legitimate system libraries, then placing these files in strategic locations where vulnerable applications will load them automatically. This type of attack is particularly insidious because it can be executed through seemingly benign applications, making detection more difficult. The vulnerability affects not only desktop applications but also Internet Explorer, which means that web-based attacks could potentially trigger this flaw when users browse to malicious websites that cause vulnerable applications to load malicious DLLs. System administrators must be aware that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, drive-by downloads, and compromised applications that are commonly used by legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a combination of immediate patching, system hardening, and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the DLL loading behavior by implementing proper search path validation and ensuring that system directories are prioritized over user-controllable locations. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches immediately, as this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. Additional mitigations include implementing application control policies such as AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs, disabling unnecessary applications and services, and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through system logging and endpoint detection solutions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running applications with minimal required permissions and ensuring that user accounts do not have write access to system directories. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that the system configurations properly address the vulnerability. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation attacks that can compromise entire systems.