CVE-2016-3373 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel API 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 does not properly implement registry access control, which allows local users to obtain sensitive account information via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level access control flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects multiple versions from Windows Vista through Windows 10. The issue stems from improper implementation of registry access control mechanisms within the kernel API, creating a path for local attackers to escalate privileges and access sensitive account information. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control in software systems, making it a fundamental security weakness in the operating system's privilege management architecture. Attackers can exploit this flaw through a crafted application that leverages the kernel's insufficient access control checks to bypass normal security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to registry entries containing sensitive account data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the kernel level where registry access control lists (ACLs) are not properly enforced during kernel API operations. This allows local users to manipulate registry entries that should be restricted to administrators or system processes only. The flaw enables attackers to read registry keys containing password hashes, credential information, and other sensitive account data that would normally be protected by proper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Windows kernel's registry handling functions, where the system fails to validate access permissions before allowing read operations on sensitive registry entries, creating a privilege escalation vector that operates entirely within the kernel space.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where local access to systems is possible. The ability to obtain sensitive account information through local privilege escalation means that attackers who have already compromised a user account can potentially escalate to system-level privileges and access credentials for other accounts on the same system. This creates a pathway for lateral movement within networks and can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts both legacy systems running Windows Vista and newer releases including Windows 10, demonstrating the persistence of this access control flaw across multiple generations of the operating system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, specifically targeting kernel-level privilege escalation methods that leverage system-level access control weaknesses.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access and can be executed through a crafted application that specifically targets the kernel's registry access control implementation. Attackers typically need to have user-level access to the target system, which can be achieved through various initial compromise vectors such as phishing attacks, social engineering, or exploiting other vulnerabilities. The attack chain involves crafting malicious code that can trigger the kernel API function with insufficient access control checks, allowing the malicious application to read sensitive registry entries that contain account information. Mitigation strategies include applying the Microsoft security update KB3161675 which addresses the registry access control implementation, implementing proper access control policies, and conducting regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Windows. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, privilege monitoring, and regular patch management to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.