CVE-2016-3310 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, 1511, and 1607 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3308, CVE-2016-3309, and CVE-2016-3311.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3310 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically affecting the win32k.sys component that manages user interface elements and graphics rendering. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it allows local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level, effectively granting them complete control over the affected system. The flaw exists in 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, indicating a widespread impact across Microsoft's operating system portfolio.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-mode input within the kernel-mode driver code, specifically within the win32k.sys module responsible for handling graphics and user interface operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting a malicious application that triggers a specific sequence of operations within the kernel, leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free or buffer overflow condition that occurs when the system processes certain graphics-related API calls, allowing attackers to manipulate kernel memory structures and execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-121, which describes "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" or similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3310 is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to bypass standard security controls and gain complete system compromise without requiring physical access or complex attack vectors. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability provides attackers with SYSTEM-level privileges, allowing them to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The local nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need network access or sophisticated social engineering techniques to compromise systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to systems. This vulnerability can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including targeted attacks against specific users, insider threat exploitation, or as part of broader attack campaigns where initial access is obtained through other means. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can use the elevated privileges to execute further malicious activities.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through the July 2016 security updates, requiring users to install the relevant patches to remediate the issue. Organizations should prioritize applying these updates across all affected Windows systems to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The remediation process involves installing the appropriate security updates for each affected Windows version, with particular attention to the win32k.sys driver updates. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious process creation and privilege escalation activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential for widespread exploitation, organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, kernel-mode driver protection, and enhanced user privilege management to reduce the attack surface and mitigate potential impact from similar future vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-level security and the need for rigorous code review and testing of system drivers to prevent such dangerous privilege escalation exploits.