CVE-2016-0175 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers 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 allow local users to obtain sensitive information about kernel-object addresses, and consequently bypass the KASLR protection mechanism, via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0175 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the kernel-mode drivers of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems 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. This vulnerability specifically affects the win32k.sys driver which serves as the core component responsible for handling user interface elements and graphics operations in the Windows kernel. The flaw enables local attackers to extract kernel object addresses through a specially crafted application, fundamentally undermining the security protections designed to safeguard kernel memory space.
This vulnerability directly relates to the exploitation of kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) mechanisms that are critical defense-in-depth measures designed to prevent attackers from easily determining the memory locations of kernel objects and functions. The information disclosure occurs through improper validation of input parameters within the win32k.sys driver, allowing an attacker to perform memory reads that reveal kernel addresses. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and more specifically relates to improper information protection mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient validation of kernel-mode driver interfaces can result in sensitive information leakage that compromises system security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local attackers to bypass KASLR protections, which are essential for preventing exploitation of other kernel vulnerabilities. Once an attacker obtains kernel object addresses, they can more effectively craft exploits for subsequent vulnerabilities such as those targeting the kernel's memory management or privilege escalation mechanisms. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges from user-level to kernel-level access, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where privilege escalation is not adequately controlled. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as it enables further exploitation of system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0175 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates that address the information disclosure in win32k.sys driver. Organizations should ensure all affected systems receive the relevant patches, particularly those related to the Windows kernel and graphics subsystem. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns and unauthorized kernel object enumeration. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode drivers and reinforces the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security assessments of kernel-mode components can identify similar vulnerabilities before they are exploited. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications that depend on the affected driver interfaces.