CVE-2016-7205 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Animation Manager in Microsoft Windows Server 2008 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 remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site, aka "Windows Animation Manager Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7205 resides within the Animation Manager component of Microsoft Windows operating systems, affecting a broad range of platforms including Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, as well as Windows Server 2016. This memory corruption flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted web content, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently access internet resources. The vulnerability specifically impacts the way the Animation Manager handles certain animation parameters, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can corrupt memory structures and potentially allow arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the targeted user.
This vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism within the animation processing pipeline, where the Animation Manager fails to properly validate input parameters when rendering animated content. The flaw is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data exceeding the allocated buffer space is written to memory, overwriting adjacent memory locations. Attackers can exploit this by constructing a specially crafted web page containing malicious animation code that, when rendered by the vulnerable Windows system, triggers the memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through web browsing activities without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks and automated exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7205 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and privilege escalation opportunities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the targeted user, potentially enabling full system compromise if the user has administrative rights. The attack surface is extensive given the widespread deployment of affected Windows versions across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to networks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it provides initial access that can be leveraged for further system compromise.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security update KB3185319, which corrected the memory handling issues within the Animation Manager component. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running older Windows versions that may not receive extended support. Network segmentation and web filtering solutions can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not be considered replacements for proper patch management. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy system support, as Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 reached end-of-life in 2020, leaving systems vulnerable to unpatched exploits like CVE-2016-7205. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual browser activity and potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be used in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish persistent access within compromised networks.