CVE-2016-3272 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 mishandles page-fault system calls, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information from an arbitrary process via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3272 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Windows kernel's handling of page-fault system calls. This issue affects multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold and 1511 versions. The flaw stems from improper management of memory page faults during kernel execution, creating an avenue for malicious actors to extract sensitive data from arbitrary processes running on the system.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests when the kernel fails to properly validate or sanitize page-fault handling mechanisms, allowing local attackers to craft malicious applications that can traverse memory boundaries and access information belonging to other processes. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to improper handling of system calls within kernel space. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for information leakage through memory management subsystems, where legitimate kernel operations become vectors for unauthorized data access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for system security and integrity. Local users with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to gain access to sensitive information that should remain protected within process memory spaces. This includes potentially confidential data, credentials, or system information that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability enables what is known as a "privilege escalation" scenario where attackers can move from a standard user account to access data belonging to other processes, including potentially privileged ones. This represents a serious compromise of the kernel's memory protection mechanisms and violates fundamental security principles of process isolation.
The attack vector requires local system access and involves crafting a malicious application that specifically targets the kernel's page-fault handling behavior. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Local Privilege Escalation" and T1005 which addresses "Data from Local System." Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple processes run with varying privilege levels and where sensitive corporate data may be stored in memory. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced in environments where users have legitimate local access to systems, making it a critical concern for organizations implementing least privilege access models.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3272 should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates that address the kernel memory management flaw. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or suspicious page-fault handling activities. Network segmentation and privilege minimization practices can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected Windows versions and ensure timely patching. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust kernel security mechanisms and proper validation of system call parameters to prevent unauthorized information disclosure and maintain system integrity.