CVE-2016-0184 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in GDI 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 document, aka "Direct3D Use After Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the Graphics Device Interface component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The issue manifests within the Direct3D graphics subsystem where improper memory management allows attackers to manipulate freed memory locations through specially crafted documents. The vulnerability affects a broad 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 occurs when the system processes graphics-related content that triggers a memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to that same memory region, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of graphics processing routines within the Windows kernel. When a malicious document containing crafted graphics elements is processed, the GDI component allocates memory for graphics objects and subsequently frees it during normal processing. However, the vulnerability allows an attacker to control the timing and content of memory access after deallocation, enabling them to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious code. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-416 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in memory management. The attack vector requires remote code execution through crafted documents, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or other document-based delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the target user, potentially leading to full system control. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions creates widespread exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where these operating systems remain prevalent. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that it can be triggered through common document processing activities, making it difficult to defend against through traditional user awareness measures alone.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, as Microsoft released security updates to address the memory management flaws in the GDI component. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all Windows systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of malicious documents, while network segmentation and firewall rules can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on unusual graphics processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining updated threat intelligence to identify similar memory corruption issues that may exist in other system components.