CVE-2016-3254 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-2016-3252, and CVE-2016-3286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3254 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, 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. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system-level access. The flaw is categorized under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically within the context of kernel-mode driver vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted applications that manipulate the Win32k.sys kernel driver, which is responsible for managing user interface components and graphics rendering in Windows. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing standard security mechanisms that typically protect the operating system from unauthorized access. The vulnerability is classified as an elevation of privilege issue within the Microsoft Windows operating system kernel, where the flaw allows a local user to execute code with system-level privileges, potentially enabling full system compromise and persistent access. This particular vulnerability is distinct from other related issues such as CVE-2016-3249, CVE-2016-3252, and CVE-2016-3286, indicating it represents a unique code path or implementation flaw within the kernel drivers.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3254 is significant as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to achieve system-level compromise from a local position. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete system control, enabling attackers to install malware, modify system files, create new user accounts, and access sensitive data without requiring additional attack vectors. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions creates a widespread attack surface, particularly concerning enterprise environments where these operating systems are prevalent. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain system-level access, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the appropriate Microsoft security updates and patches, which address the underlying kernel driver flaw in the Win32k.sys component. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Windows versions, particularly in environments where local user access is possible. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles, disabling unnecessary services, and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the Microsoft Security Response Center's priority classification indicates its severity, warranting immediate attention and remediation. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation activities, as the exploitation of this vulnerability may not be immediately apparent through traditional security controls.