CVE-2016-3335 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Common Log File System (CLFS) driver 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, and Windows Server 2016 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0026, CVE-2016-3332, CVE-2016-3333, CVE-2016-3334, CVE-2016-3338, CVE-2016-3340, CVE-2016-3342, CVE-2016-3343, and CVE-2016-7184.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The Common Log File System CLFS driver vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions from Vista through Windows 10 and Server 2016. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode driver responsible for managing common log file structures, which are essential components for system logging and transactional operations across various Windows services and applications. The flaw enables local attackers with standard user privileges to elevate their access level to system level, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or remote access capabilities.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the CLFS driver's handling of specific log file operations. The flaw occurs when the driver processes crafted log file structures that contain malformed data or unexpected parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability's exploitation requires a local user to run a specially crafted application that triggers the flawed driver code path, making it particularly concerning as it bypasses traditional network-based security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install rootkits, modify system files, establish backdoors, or extract sensitive information from the compromised system. The affected systems include enterprise environments where local access might be obtained through various means such as social engineering, phishing attacks, or compromised user accounts. Organizations running these vulnerable Windows versions face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain initial access through other attack vectors. The vulnerability's presence across such a wide range of Windows versions makes it particularly dangerous for organizations with mixed environments or those that have not yet completed their Windows 10 migration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application through Microsoft's regular security updates, as the company released specific patches addressing this issue in their monthly security bulletin cycle. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates across all affected Windows systems, particularly focusing on server environments and systems with high-value data. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit user account permissions, monitoring for suspicious log file creation patterns, and applying security configurations that restrict access to CLFS-related system components. Network segmentation and endpoint protection solutions can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security assessments should verify that systems remain patched and that no exploitation attempts have occurred. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous activities consistent with privilege escalation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation may generate specific patterns in system logs that can aid in forensic analysis and incident response activities.