CVE-2016-10395 in FlexNet Publisher
Summary
by MITRE
In FlexNet Publisher versions before Luton SP1 (11.14.1.1) running FlexNet Publisher Licensing Service on Windows platform, a boundary error related to a named pipe within the FlexNet Publisher Licensing Service can be exploited to cause an out-of-bounds memory read access and subsequently execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10395 represents a critical boundary error within the FlexNet Publisher Licensing Service component that affects versions prior to Luton SP1 release 11.14.1.1 on Windows operating systems. This flaw specifically manifests within the named pipe implementation used by the licensing service, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory access patterns beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability resides in the service's handling of named pipe communications where insufficient input validation leads to improper memory management during processing of client requests. The flaw operates at the kernel level through the Windows named pipe mechanism, which serves as a communication channel between client applications and the licensing service daemon. Attackers can leverage this boundary error by crafting malicious input that triggers an out-of-bounds memory read operation, effectively bypassing normal memory protection mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and specifically relates to improper input validation within Windows kernel-mode components. The exploitation chain begins with establishing communication through the named pipe interface, followed by sending maliciously crafted data that causes the service to read memory locations beyond allocated buffers, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows attackers to achieve SYSTEM-level privileges through the FlexNet Publisher Licensing Service. This represents a severe security compromise since the licensing service typically runs with elevated privileges to manage software licensing and protection mechanisms. The named pipe communication channel provides an attack surface that can be accessed remotely or locally, depending on the service configuration and network exposure. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest privilege level available on the system, effectively providing complete control over the affected Windows machine. The attack requires minimal privileges to initiate the exploit since the service itself operates with elevated permissions, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for enterprise environments where software licensing services are commonly deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation is facilitated by the Windows Service Model architecture where the licensing service maintains persistent communication channels through named pipes, creating opportunities for memory corruption attacks that can be triggered by malformed input parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10395 should focus on immediate patch deployment as the primary remediation approach, specifically upgrading to FlexNet Publisher Luton SP1 release 11.14.1.1 or later versions that contain the necessary boundary checks and input validation fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the licensing service ports and named pipe endpoints, particularly if the service is exposed to untrusted networks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which describes the use of privilege escalation techniques, making it a target for advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to systems. System administrators should monitor for unusual named pipe activity and implement process monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may trigger specific memory access patterns that can be detected through behavioral analysis. Additionally, implementing Application Control policies such as Windows Defender Application Control or AppLocker can prevent unauthorized execution of modified licensing service components. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary licensing service functionality and ensuring that the service runs with the principle of least privilege where possible, though this may impact legitimate software licensing operations. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1106, which involves the use of Windows APIs to achieve privilege escalation, making it essential for security teams to monitor for unusual API calls related to named pipe operations and memory management functions.