CVE-2016-3249 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-2016-3252, CVE-2016-3254, and CVE-2016-3286.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3249 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 permissions privilege and access control flaws which directly impacts the security model of the operating system. the flaw allows local attackers to execute malicious code that can elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access, effectively bypassing the operating system's security mechanisms.
the technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the win32k.sys driver which manages user interface components and graphics rendering in windows operating systems. the flaw occurs when the driver fails to properly validate input parameters during certain graphics operations, specifically related to the handling of user-mode callbacks and object management. this improper validation creates an opportunity for malicious applications to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. the vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited through local execution of a crafted application, making it highly accessible to attackers who already have user-level access to a target system.
from an operational perspective this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where local access might be obtained through social engineering attacks, credential theft, or other initial compromise techniques. the attack vector specifically targets the win32k.sys driver which is essential for graphics rendering and user interface functionality, meaning that exploitation could occur through normal user activities such as opening malicious documents or visiting compromised websites that trigger the vulnerable code path. the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. this aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre attack framework under privilege escalation and persistence tactics.
organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying microsoft security patches as soon as they become available, disabling unnecessary graphics functionality where possible, and monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-mode security and highlights how flaws in core system components can provide attackers with complete system compromise. defensive measures should include regular security assessments of kernel-mode drivers, implementation of application whitelisting policies, and enhanced monitoring of system call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. the vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security awareness training to prevent initial access through social engineering or other attack vectors that could lead to exploitation of this privilege escalation flaw.