CVE-2016-0180 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel 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 mishandles symbolic links, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
This vulnerability resides in the kernel-level handling of symbolic links within multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems including Vista SP2 through Windows 10 version 1511. The flaw represents a critical privilege escalation issue that affects the core operating system components. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and processing of symbolic link references during kernel operations, creating a path traversal condition that malicious applications can exploit to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
The technical implementation involves the kernel's insufficient validation of symbolic link targets when processing file operations, particularly in contexts where kernel-mode code interacts with user-mode applications. This improper handling allows a local attacker to craft specific symbolic link structures that bypass normal access controls and privilege boundaries. When the kernel processes these crafted links, it follows the symbolic references without adequate verification of the target's security context, enabling arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts kernel-mode drivers and system services that rely on symbolic link resolution, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local attackers with complete system compromise capabilities without requiring network access or complex attack vectors. An attacker with standard user privileges can exploit this flaw to gain SYSTEM-level access, enabling them to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistence within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects all supported versions mentioned in the CVE description, making it particularly dangerous as it spans multiple generations of Windows operating systems, including both client and server variants.
Mitigation strategies include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches and updates that address the symbolic link handling in kernel components. Organizations should implement the latest security updates from Microsoft as part of their patch management procedures, focusing particularly on the Windows kernel components. Additional defensive measures involve restricting local user privileges where possible, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious symbolic link creation activities. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary symbolic link functionality in restricted environments and conducting regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-16 (Configuration) and CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls) classifications, representing a fundamental flaw in how the operating system manages access control boundaries. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges and execute malicious code. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys) and T1547.009 (Windows Management Instrumentation Event Subscription) when exploited for persistence, making it a critical target for both immediate remediation and long-term security monitoring.