CVE-2016-3368 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
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 remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by leveraging a domain account to make a crafted request, aka "Windows Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems 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 vulnerability specifically affects systems running the Windows kernel and allows authenticated attackers with domain account credentials to execute arbitrary code on target systems. The flaw stems from improper validation of input within the Windows kernel, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow condition, which occurs when insufficient bounds checking allows memory to be overwritten with malicious data. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with domain account credentials, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where domain accounts are commonly used and often have elevated privileges. The vulnerability impacts the Windows kernel's handling of certain network requests, specifically those involving remote procedure calls or kernel-mode operations that process user-supplied data without adequate validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further lateral movement within networks. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges to SYSTEM level, and potentially compromise entire domain environments. The vulnerability's presence across such a broad range of Windows versions makes it particularly concerning for organizations with mixed operating system environments, as it creates a common attack surface that can be leveraged across multiple system types. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious request that triggers the kernel vulnerability, which then allows the attacker to execute code with the highest privileges available to the authenticated domain user. This capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for locally executed commands and T1566 for valid accounts as the attack requires legitimate domain credentials to be effective. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode code and highlights how authenticated access can be leveraged to achieve privilege escalation without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security patches, which address the kernel validation issues that enable the exploit. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, particularly by restricting access to critical systems from less trusted network segments. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced to reduce the value of domain accounts as attack vectors, ensuring that users have only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their duties. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous network requests that could indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on kernel-mode network activity and unusual privilege escalation patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions of Windows and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of delayed remediation, as the exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Regular security awareness training should emphasize the importance of protecting domain credentials and the risks associated with credential compromise in enterprise environments.