CVE-2016-0044 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Sync Framework in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows RT 8.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (SyncShareSvc service outage) via crafted "change batch" data, aka "Windows DLL Loading Denial of Service Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0044 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Microsoft's Sync Framework implementation across multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows RT 8.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the SyncShareSvc service which is responsible for managing synchronization operations between local and remote data sources. The flaw manifests when the service processes crafted "change batch" data that contains maliciously constructed data sequences designed to trigger unexpected behavior in the synchronization framework. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and is categorized as a denial of service condition that can completely disrupt synchronization services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 Network Denial of Service, where adversaries can exploit service weaknesses to disrupt availability of critical system functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of data structures within the Sync Framework's change batch processing mechanism. When the SyncShareSvc service receives specially crafted data packets containing malformed change batch information, it fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting to process synchronization operations. This improper input validation leads to a condition where the service becomes unresponsive or crashes entirely, resulting in complete service outage for synchronization capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt business operations. The flaw essentially allows attackers to inject data that causes the synchronization service to enter an unrecoverable state, effectively rendering the system unable to synchronize data with remote sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0044 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader business continuity concerns. Organizations relying on Windows synchronization services for critical data management operations face significant risks when this vulnerability is exploited, as it can lead to complete data synchronization failures across multiple systems. The vulnerability affects both client and server environments, meaning that a single attack can potentially compromise entire synchronization networks. Additionally, the remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network security controls insufficient to prevent exploitation. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation further compounds the risk, as any remote user can potentially trigger the denial of service condition without prior access credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0044 should focus on immediate patch management and network segmentation approaches. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through proper input validation mechanisms within the Sync Framework. Organizations should prioritize deployment of the relevant security patches as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Network administrators should also consider implementing firewall rules to restrict access to synchronization services where possible, particularly for systems that do not require remote synchronization capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in service-oriented applications and highlights the need for robust security controls in distributed synchronization frameworks. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual patterns in synchronization service behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be used as part of broader attack campaigns targeting system availability.