CVE-2016-0092 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-2016-0091.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0092 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a wide 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511. The flaw resides in how Windows processes OLE objects, specifically when handling crafted malicious files that contain malformed OLE data structures. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition, which occurs when the system attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated boundaries of OLE objects. The technical implementation involves improper bounds checking during OLE stream processing, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted files. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing victims to open specially crafted files that contain malicious OLE content, often delivered through email attachments, malicious websites, or infected removable media. When the vulnerable Windows system processes these files, the memory corruption allows attackers to inject and execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious attachments or navigate to compromised websites. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of OLE in Windows applications, particularly in Microsoft Office products which frequently handle OLE objects.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0092 should follow established security frameworks and best practices for addressing memory corruption vulnerabilities. Microsoft released security patches through Windows Update that address the specific bounds checking flaws in the OLE processing components. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems, as the vulnerability has a high exploitability score and is actively targeted by threat actors. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file validation policies, disabling OLE automation features where possible, and employing sandboxing techniques for processing untrusted files. Network-level protections such as firewalls and email filtering systems can help reduce the attack surface by blocking suspicious file downloads and preventing access to known malicious domains. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous file processing activities and unusual memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.