CVE-2016-0196 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 gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0171, CVE-2016-0173, and CVE-2016-0174.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0196 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically affecting multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system including vista sp2 server 2008 sp2 and r2 sp1 windows 7 sp1 windows 81 windows server 2012 gold and r2 windows rt 81 and windows 10 gold and 1511. this vulnerability operates at the kernel level and is categorized under the common weakness enumeration cwe-264 with specific focus on permissions privileges and access controls. the flaw enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by leveraging a crafted application that exploits the win32k.sys driver which is responsible for user interface management and graphics rendering in windows operating systems.
the technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-mode input within kernel-mode driver functions that handle graphics and user interface operations. when a malicious application attempts to manipulate the win32k.sys driver through specific api calls or memory operations, the driver fails to properly validate the input parameters leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. this particular flaw differs from other contemporaneous vulnerabilities such as cve-2016-0171 cve-2016-0173 and cve-2016-0174 which targeted different components within the windows kernel. the exploitation mechanism relies on the ability to control memory layout and execute code within the kernel context through carefully crafted input that bypasses normal kernel security checks and validation routines.
the operational impact of CVE-2016-0196 is severe as it provides local attackers with complete system compromise capabilities without requiring network access or complex attack vectors. once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain kernel-level privileges which enables them to bypass all operating system security mechanisms including user access control uac, data execution prevention dep, and address space layout randomization aslr. this privilege escalation can lead to complete system takeover, persistent backdoor installation, credential theft, and data exfiltration. the vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond running a malicious application and can be exploited in both interactive and automated attack scenarios. the exploitability factor is enhanced by the fact that the vulnerability exists in multiple windows versions and service packs, providing attackers with broad target coverage across enterprise environments.
mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0196 should include immediate deployment of microsoft security updates and patches that address the underlying kernel-mode driver vulnerability in win32k.sys. organizations should implement the principle of least privilege and disable unnecessary user accounts to limit potential attack surface. security monitoring should focus on unusual kernel-mode activities and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. the vulnerability aligns with attack techniques described in the mitre attack framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics where attackers leverage system-level vulnerabilities to maintain long-term access. additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, enabling kernel mode code integrity checks, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of kernel-mode components. organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious kernel-mode activities and potential exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date operating system patches and the critical nature of kernel-mode security in protecting against sophisticated attack vectors that target fundamental system components.