CVE-2016-3354 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Graphics Device Interface (GDI) 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 allows local users to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism via a crafted application, aka "GDI Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The CVE-2016-3354 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Graphics Device Interface component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Address Space Layout Randomization protection mechanism, which is a fundamental security feature designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities by randomizing the memory layout of processes. 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 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and various Windows 10 releases. The vulnerability allows local attackers to bypass ASLR protections through a specially crafted application, effectively undermining one of the primary defenses against exploitation techniques that rely on predictable memory addresses.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of graphics device interface objects within the Windows kernel, specifically when processing certain graphics operations. When a malicious application executes a crafted sequence of GDI operations, it can extract memory layout information that would normally be randomized by ASLR. This information disclosure occurs through information leakage mechanisms within the GDI subsystem where internal memory addresses and layout details are inadvertently exposed to user-mode applications. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level but can be exploited from user context, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no elevated privileges to trigger. The flaw essentially creates a side-channel attack vector that allows attackers to gather sufficient information about memory layout to defeat ASLR protections that are designed to prevent exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3354 is significant as it fundamentally weakens the security posture of affected systems by undermining ASLR protection mechanisms that are essential for preventing exploitation of other vulnerabilities. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged in combination with other exploits to achieve more sophisticated attacks, including remote code execution or privilege escalation. The fact that this vulnerability affects such a wide range of Windows versions means that organizations with legacy systems are particularly vulnerable, as these systems often cannot be easily updated or patched. Security researchers have categorized this vulnerability under CWE-200, which deals with information exposure, and it aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and defense evasion. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified because it can be exploited in conjunction with other GDI-based vulnerabilities, creating a more comprehensive attack surface that can be used to bypass multiple security controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security updates, implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary graphics services, and monitoring for suspicious GDI activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in kernel-level components, and it highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of system services that interact with user applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing process isolation techniques and monitoring for unusual patterns of GDI object usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also emphasizes the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security patches, as this flaw was addressed through Microsoft's regular security update cycle and represents a typical example of how kernel-level vulnerabilities can undermine fundamental security protections in operating systems.