CVE-2016-3251 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The GDI component in 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 allows local users to obtain sensitive kernel-address information via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The CVE-2016-3251 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel-mode GDI (Graphics Device Interface) component that affects multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically resides in the win32k.sys driver which manages graphics rendering and user interface elements at the kernel level. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to extract sensitive kernel memory addresses through a specially crafted application, potentially exposing critical system information that could be leveraged in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper validation of user-supplied input within the kernel-mode graphics processing routines. When a malicious application submits crafted graphics-related parameters to the GDI subsystem, the kernel fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing them, leading to the accidental disclosure of kernel memory addresses. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to information disclosure through improper handling of kernel memory structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where memory addresses contain critical information about system layout and security mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations as it enables local privilege escalation scenarios and provides attackers with valuable information for advanced exploitation techniques. The disclosed kernel addresses can reveal memory layout information that helps attackers bypass modern security mechanisms such as address space layout randomization (ASLR). Attackers can combine this information disclosure with other vulnerabilities to craft more sophisticated exploits targeting the Windows kernel. The vulnerability affects a wide range of windows versions including vista, server 2008, 2012, and various windows 10 releases, making it particularly impactful across enterprise environments where these systems are commonly deployed.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-3251 primarily involve applying microsoft security patches released in the july 2016 security update bulletin. organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to eliminate the information disclosure capability. additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent the execution of malicious applications that could exploit this vulnerability, monitoring for unusual graphics-related process behavior, and applying kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms. from an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to privilege escalation and information gathering, specifically covering tactics such as privilege escalation through kernel exploits and reconnaissance activities that gather system information for further attacks. network administrators should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious graphics-related API calls that may indicate exploitation attempts.