CVE-2016-3252 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-2016-3249, CVE-2016-3254, and CVE-2016-3286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3252 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically affecting multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability operates within the win32k.sys component which serves as the foundation for user-mode graphics subsystem functionality and handles critical system interactions including window management and graphics rendering operations. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute malicious code that can escalate their access level to system-level privileges, effectively bypassing the operating system's security model and potentially enabling complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the kernel-mode driver components that process user-mode requests for graphics and window management operations. When a malicious application attempts to manipulate specific kernel-mode structures through crafted graphics operations or window management calls, the system fails to properly validate the input parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation involves kernel-mode memory management flaws that enable privilege escalation rather than traditional buffer overflow exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects the win32k.sys driver which manages the graphics subsystem and windowing components, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the highest privilege level within the kernel.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3252 is severe and far-reaching across the affected Microsoft Windows versions, including 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. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain system-level privileges without requiring physical access or specialized hardware, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where local user accounts may exist. The vulnerability can be exploited through seemingly benign applications or malicious software that triggers the flawed kernel-mode driver behavior, potentially allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, extract sensitive data, or disable security controls. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the "windows kernel drivers" and "exploitation for privilege escalation" techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3252 primarily involve applying the microsoft security update released in august 2016 as part of the windows security bulletin ms16-101, which addresses the specific kernel-mode driver vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly in high-value environments where local user access might be compromised. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted applications, monitoring for suspicious graphics-related system calls, and employing behavioral analysis tools to detect anomalous kernel-mode activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-mode security and highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in operating system components. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to move laterally within networks and access additional systems.