CVE-2016-3374 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The PDF library in Microsoft Edge, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted web site, aka "PDF Library Information Disclosure Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3370.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-3374 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the PDF library component of several Microsoft operating systems and browsers. This issue affects Microsoft Edge browser and various Windows versions including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 versions 1511 and 1607. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of PDF documents within the browser's rendering engine, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive information from the target system.
The technical flaw manifests in the PDF library's insufficient validation and memory management when processing specially crafted PDF files. When a user visits a malicious website containing a crafted PDF document, the vulnerable library fails to properly isolate memory segments or validate input parameters, leading to information leakage through memory disclosure mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic case of improper information protection within software components. The flaw allows attackers to potentially access memory contents that should remain private, including potentially sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, system pointers, or other confidential information stored in memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage this information to perform further exploitation techniques including heap spraying, bypassing exploit mitigations, or conducting advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability's presence in Microsoft Edge and multiple Windows versions means that a successful attack could compromise a wide range of systems without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers might use the leaked information to craft more effective payloads or establish persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in third-party libraries, as the PDF rendering component likely received insufficient protection against malformed input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3374 should focus on immediate patch deployment and network-level protections. Microsoft released security updates that addressed the vulnerability by improving input validation and memory handling within the PDF library component. Organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems and consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. Browser security configurations should include disabling PDF rendering in web browsers where possible, or implementing strict content security policies that prevent loading of untrusted PDF content. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious PDF-related requests and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party libraries and proper sandboxing mechanisms to prevent information leakage from core system components.