CVE-2016-0091 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
OLE 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted file, aka "Windows OLE Memory Remote Code Execution Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0092.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0091 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft products including 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 versions. The flaw resides in how Windows handles OLE objects when processing specially crafted files, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the logged-on user.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the OLE component's memory management routines. When Windows encounters a maliciously crafted file containing OLE objects, the system fails to properly validate the object's structure and memory references, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This memory corruption occurs during the parsing and processing of OLE compound document structures, where insufficient bounds checking and memory handling mechanisms allow attackers to manipulate memory pointers and overwrite critical system structures. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which is a common precursor to memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw specifically manifests when the Windows OLE subsystem attempts to process malformed OLE object data structures that exceed expected memory boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0091 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to achieve remote code execution without requiring any authentication or privileged access. An attacker can deliver the malicious payload through various attack vectors including email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised documents that users might open innocently. Once executed, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the endpoint, data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through common office documents, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The vulnerability also aligns with T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1543 (Create or Modify System Process) as attackers can establish persistence and maintain access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0091 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which address the underlying memory handling flaws in the OLE component. Organizations should implement defensive measures such as disabling OLE automation services, restricting access to potentially malicious file types, and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted code. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing email filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious Office documents containing OLE objects. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping systems updated with the latest security patches and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows and prioritize patch deployment to minimize exposure windows. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the risks of opening suspicious attachments and visiting untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation through social engineering vectors.