CVE-2016-3342 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-2016-3335, CVE-2016-3338, CVE-2016-3340, CVE-2016-3343, and CVE-2016-7184.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3342 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Common Log File System (CLFS) driver component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows versions including 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 versions 1511 and 1607, and Windows Server 2016. The CLFS driver serves as a logging mechanism for applications and system components, managing transactional log files that track changes to system resources. The flaw specifically resides in how the driver handles certain input validation and memory management operations, creating an opportunity for local attackers to manipulate system behavior through crafted applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-mode input within kernel-mode components of the CLFS driver. When a local user executes a specially crafted application, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution within the kernel context with elevated privileges. This occurs due to insufficient validation of parameters passed to the driver functions, particularly when processing log file operations. The flaw enables attackers to leverage existing system resources to construct malicious payloads that can manipulate kernel memory structures, ultimately resulting in privilege escalation from standard user level to system level access. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of kernel-mode privilege escalation, which is particularly dangerous because it bypasses standard user access controls and can provide complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the foundation for extensive system compromise and persistence mechanisms. Once elevated to system privileges, an attacker can manipulate system files, install malware, modify security settings, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where various operating system versions may coexist. The attack vector requires local system access, making it less suitable for remote exploitation but still dangerous in scenarios where attackers have already gained initial access through other means. This vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains where initial access is achieved through phishing, drive-by downloads, or other methods, followed by privilege escalation using CVE-2016-3342 to achieve full system control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability in their regular monthly patch cycles, and system administrators should ensure all affected systems receive the appropriate security patches. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and restricting local user access to critical system components can reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and CWE-20 which represents "Improper Input Validation" in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel-mode activities indicative of privilege escalation attempts. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can further limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities in the CLFS driver and related kernel components.