CVE-2016-3306 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-2016-3305.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3306 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel operating system. This issue affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows including Vista, Server 2008, Windows 7, 8.1, RT 8.1, and various Windows 10 releases. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of session objects within the kernel, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate system sessions and elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The flaw specifically targets the kernel's session management mechanisms, which are fundamental to Windows security architecture and user isolation protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's failure to properly validate session object references during privilege operations. When a crafted application attempts to interact with session objects, the kernel does not adequately verify the legitimacy of these interactions, allowing malicious code to manipulate session state and potentially hijack active user sessions. This improper validation creates a condition where attackers can exploit the session management subsystem to gain unauthorized access to system resources and elevated privileges. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard user-mode security controls and can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or remote access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations as it allows local attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access rights. The attack vector requires only local system access, meaning that any user with login credentials can potentially exploit this flaw. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in multi-user environments where users might have varying privilege levels. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as session hijacking can enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's presence in such widely deployed operating systems means that organizations across various sectors could be affected, from enterprise environments to government agencies and critical infrastructure providers.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the primary fix involves kernel-level patches addressing the session object handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that monitor for suspicious session manipulation activities and establish strict user access controls to minimize potential exploitation. Network segmentation and privilege minimization practices should be reinforced to limit the impact even if exploitation occurs. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual session activity patterns and privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected Windows versions and ensure timely patch management.