CVE-2016-3209 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Graphics Device Interface (aka GDI or 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; Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607; Office 2007 SP3; Office 2010 SP2; Word Viewer; Skype for Business 2016; Lync 2013 SP1; Lync 2010; Lync 2010 Attendee; Live Meeting 2007 Console; .NET Framework 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4.5.2, and 4.6; and Silverlight 5 allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via unspecified vectors, aka "True Type Font Parsing Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3209 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Graphics Device Interface and GDI+ subsystems of Microsoft Windows operating systems and associated software components. This vulnerability specifically targets the True Type font parsing mechanism that is integral to the graphics rendering pipeline, affecting a wide range of Microsoft products from Windows Vista through Windows 10, along with various Office and communication applications. The flaw enables attackers to bypass Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanisms, which are fundamental security features designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities by randomizing the memory layout of processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of True Type font files within the GDI+ graphics subsystem. When processing specially crafted font files, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the font structure, leading to information disclosure that can reveal memory layout details to attackers. This information disclosure directly undermines ASLR protections by exposing the base addresses of system libraries and process memory segments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Windows and Microsoft applications, creating a broad attack surface that spans from desktop operating systems to enterprise communication platforms. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the flaw could be triggered through various methods including email attachments, web downloads, or document processing operations that involve font rendering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the security posture of affected systems by reducing the effectiveness of modern exploit mitigation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to craft more sophisticated exploits that would otherwise be prevented by ASLR protections, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The widespread nature of affected products means that enterprises with legacy systems, older Office versions, or communication platforms like Lync and Skype for Business are particularly vulnerable. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can be exploited to undermine core security controls. The attack surface is further expanded through the inclusion of .NET Framework and Silverlight components, which are commonly used in enterprise applications and web-based solutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3209 should focus on immediate patch deployment across all affected Microsoft products, including Windows operating systems, Office suites, and communication platforms. Organizations must prioritize updating their systems to the latest security patches released by Microsoft, as these updates contain the necessary fixes to address the True Type font parsing vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies for font processing, particularly in email systems and document management platforms, and monitoring for suspicious font file usage patterns. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated security frameworks and following the principle of least privilege in system configurations. This issue demonstrates the critical relationship between graphics rendering components and overall system security, emphasizing that even specialized subsystems like GDI+ must maintain robust security controls to prevent exploitation of fundamental protection mechanisms.