CVE-2016-3355 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 gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "GDI Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The CVE-2016-3355 vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Graphics Device Interface 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, and Windows 10 versions 1511 and 1607. The flaw exists in how the GDI subsystem handles certain graphics operations and memory management, creating an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. This represents a significant security risk as it enables attackers who already have limited user access to potentially gain complete control over affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory handling within the GDI driver components. When processing certain graphics operations, the system fails to properly validate parameters passed to GDI functions, leading to potential memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests during graphics rendering operations where the GDI subsystem does not adequately sanitize input data, allowing attackers to craft malicious applications that manipulate memory structures and bypass standard security mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to privilege escalation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to enterprise environments where local user access might be more prevalent than expected. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, and subsequently compromise entire networks through lateral movement and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations with mixed environments face widespread exposure, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for IT security teams to address. The attack vector requires only local system access, meaning that even users with minimal privileges can potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it a prime target for both insider threats and compromised accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3355 should focus on immediate patch deployment across all affected Windows versions, as Microsoft released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including privilege minimization, application whitelisting, and enhanced monitoring of graphics-related processes. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Security teams should monitor for suspicious graphics processing activities and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems, as this vulnerability can remain active even in environments where other security measures are in place, emphasizing the critical importance of timely patch management and comprehensive security hygiene practices.