CVE-2016-3305 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel 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, 1511, and 1607 mishandles session objects, which allows local users to hijack sessions, and consequently gain privileges, via a crafted application, aka "Windows Session Object Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3306.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The Windows Session Object Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft operating systems that affects multiple versions including Windows Vista SP2 through Windows 10 version 1607. This vulnerability specifically targets how the kernel manages session objects, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to manipulate session contexts and escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The flaw resides in the kernel's improper handling of session objects which are fundamental components used to manage user sessions and their associated security contexts within the Windows operating system architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and management of session object references within the kernel's security subsystem. When a malicious application attempts to interact with session objects, the kernel fails to properly verify the legitimacy of these interactions, allowing crafted applications to manipulate session state information. This improper session object handling creates a privilege escalation pathway where attackers can effectively hijack existing user sessions and leverage them to execute code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses user-mode security controls and directly exploits the operating system's core security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides local attackers with a straightforward method to gain system-level privileges without requiring external network access or complex attack vectors. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply running a malicious application on a targeted system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may inadvertently execute compromised software. The privilege escalation capability means that attackers who initially gain access as a standard user can potentially compromise entire systems, access sensitive data, install malware, and establish persistent access. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users share systems and where the potential for privilege escalation can lead to widespread compromise across networked infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the primary fix involves correcting the kernel's session object handling mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected Windows versions receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and user account control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while monitoring for unusual session activity and privilege escalation events can provide early detection capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.