CVE-2016-3376 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers 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 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability." a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-3266, CVE-2016-7185, and CVE-2016-7211.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3376 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel-mode drivers, specifically affecting multiple versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. This vulnerability resides in the win32k.sys driver which manages user interface components and system graphics operations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to elevate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The flaw allows local attackers to execute malicious code that can manipulate kernel memory and system resources, fundamentally compromising the operating system's security model.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-mode input within kernel-mode driver functions, creating a condition where malicious applications can craft specific inputs that trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption issues. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, representing out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates through the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) subsystem where user applications can interact with kernel-mode components through the win32k.sys driver, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables local attackers to achieve privilege escalation without requiring remote network access or complex exploitation techniques. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, providing complete control over the affected system including access to all files, registry settings, and network resources. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may have local access to systems but should not possess administrative rights. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Windows versions including legacy systems like Windows Vista and Server 2008, as well as newer releases such as Windows 10, making it a widespread concern across different deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3376 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's regular security updates, specifically addressing the win32k.sys driver vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement the security patches released in the July 2016 Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-072, which specifically addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as enabling Windows Defender Application Control, configuring mandatory access controls, and employing privilege separation techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers may use the elevated privileges to execute additional malicious payloads. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in kernel-mode drivers and user interface processes, as these activities may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against kernel-mode exploits that can bypass traditional security controls.