CVE-2016-7184 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Common Log File System (CLFS) driver 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, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability," a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-0026, CVE-2016-3332, CVE-2016-3333, CVE-2016-3334, CVE-2016-3335, CVE-2016-3338, CVE-2016-3340, CVE-2016-3342, and CVE-2016-3343.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The Windows Common Log File System CLFS driver vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting multiple Windows operating systems including Vista, Server 2008, 7, 8.1, Server 2012, RT 8.1, and various Windows 10 and Server 2016 versions. This vulnerability resides in the kernel-mode driver responsible for managing common log file structures and allows local attackers with standard user privileges to elevate their access level to system level. The flaw stems from improper validation of user-supplied input within the CLFS driver's handling of log file operations, creating a path for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability involves stack-based buffer overflow conditions that enable attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability can be leveraged to bypass security controls and establish persistent access to affected systems.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2016-7184 occurs through crafted applications that manipulate the CLFS driver's interaction with log file structures, specifically targeting the way the driver processes certain file operations. Attackers can construct malicious input that causes the driver to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute code with kernel-level privileges. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the kernel space, making traditional user-mode protections ineffective. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of legitimate system processes to gain elevated privileges, and T1059 which covers the use of system utilities and drivers for code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends to enterprise environments where attackers could leverage this flaw to establish backdoors, access sensitive data, or move laterally across networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations running affected Windows versions, as it provides a straightforward path for attackers to achieve system compromise from a local user position. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass User Access Control mechanisms, manipulate system files, and potentially access network resources that would otherwise be restricted. The widespread presence of affected Windows versions means that numerous enterprise systems could be vulnerable simultaneously, creating a substantial attack surface. Organizations that fail to apply patches promptly face increased risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's nature as a kernel-level flaw means that traditional endpoint protection solutions may not detect or prevent exploitation, requiring comprehensive patch management strategies and system hardening measures. This vulnerability exemplifies the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor driver flaws can have major security implications across entire operating system families. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities typically requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for organizations without robust patch management processes in place.