CVE-2016-3262 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; and Live Meeting 2007 Console allows remote attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via unspecified vectors, aka "GDI+ Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3263.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2022
The CVE-2016-3262 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Graphics Device Interface plus component of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Office applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism, which serves as a fundamental security feature designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities by randomizing the memory layout of processes. The affected platforms span multiple Windows versions including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows RT 8.1, and various Windows 10 releases, along with several Microsoft Office products and communication applications. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass ASLR protection through unspecified vectors that effectively undermine the security controls designed to prevent exploitation of other memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The technical flaw resides in the GDI+ component's improper handling of memory layout information during the execution of graphics rendering operations. When processing certain graphics data structures, the GDI+ subsystem fails to properly randomize memory addresses or maintain consistent memory layouts across different execution contexts, thereby leaking information about the memory organization of the target process. This information disclosure enables attackers to determine the base addresses of critical system components and libraries, effectively nullifying the protection provided by ASLR. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or malicious documents that trigger graphics rendering operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200 Information Exposure, specifically related to improper information protection and the disclosure of sensitive system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3262 is significant as it directly enables more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with the memory layout information necessary for successful exploitation of other vulnerabilities. While the vulnerability itself is classified as an information disclosure rather than a direct execution flaw, it serves as a critical prerequisite for advanced exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more effective buffer overflow exploits, return-oriented programming attacks, or other memory corruption techniques that rely on knowing the memory layout of the target process. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Microsoft products and operating systems, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures, particularly in enterprise environments where these vulnerable applications are widely deployed. Organizations using affected versions of Microsoft Office, Windows Server, or communication platforms like Skype for Business and Lync are at risk, as these applications frequently process untrusted graphics data from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3262 should focus on immediate patch application and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address this vulnerability through patches that correct the improper memory layout handling within the GDI+ subsystem. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions or Microsoft Office products. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, disabling unnecessary graphics rendering capabilities, and employing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially vulnerable applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation often involves triggering graphics processing through malicious documents or web content. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual graphics processing activity and maintain comprehensive monitoring of memory layout information within system processes. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other system components that may provide similar information disclosure capabilities.