CVE-2016-0093 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode 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, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0094, CVE-2016-0095, and CVE-2016-0096.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
The CVE-2016-0093 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode driver subsystem, specifically affecting multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system from vista through windows 10. This vulnerability operates through the win32k.sys driver which manages user interface components and graphics rendering in windows operating systems. The flaw enables local attackers with standard user privileges to execute malicious code that can elevate their privileges to system level, creating a significant security risk for enterprise environments where user accounts may be compromised.
This vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-mode input within kernel-mode components, specifically within the graphics subsystem handling window management operations. The flaw occurs when the win32k.sys driver processes certain graphics operations that should be restricted to kernel mode but are instead processed through user-mode applications. The vulnerability is classified as a type of elevation of privilege flaw that allows attackers to bypass normal security boundaries between user and kernel mode execution contexts. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to cwe-122 which describes "heap-based buffer overflow" and cwe-264 which covers "permissions, privileges, and access controls" in kernel mode components. The underlying technical issue involves improper handling of graphics objects and window management structures that can be manipulated through crafted application code to trigger kernel-mode execution paths that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-0093 is severe and far-reaching across enterprise networks, as local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to achieve system-level compromise without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, enabling them to install malware, modify system files, disable security features, and establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires only local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised through social engineering, phishing, or other initial access vectors. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a wide range of windows operating systems and can be exploited through legitimate graphics rendering operations, making detection and prevention challenging.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of CVE-2016-0093, including immediate application of microsoft security patches, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious graphics-related system calls. The mitigation strategy should include regular patch management programs, user account control enforcement, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability aligns with the privilege escalation tactic and can be categorized under technique t1068 which covers "local privilege escalation" and t1134 which covers "access token manipulation" as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to create elevated access tokens. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous graphics rendering behavior or kernel-mode execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential for seemingly benign user interface components to serve as attack vectors for sophisticated privilege escalation techniques.