CVE-2016-7246 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel-mode drivers 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 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2022
The CVE-2016-7246 vulnerability 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 component which manages user interface elements and graphics rendering within the windows kernel. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to execute malicious code that can elevate their access level to system-level privileges, effectively bypassing the operating system's security mechanisms. The vulnerability was particularly concerning because it affected widely deployed versions of windows including server and desktop editions, making it a prime target for exploitation in various attack scenarios.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper validation of user-mode input within kernel-mode drivers. When a malicious application attempts to interact with the win32k.sys driver, the vulnerability manifests due to insufficient bounds checking and memory validation procedures. This allows attackers to craft specific inputs that trigger memory corruption within the kernel space, ultimately enabling privilege escalation. The flaw operates at the kernel level where the security boundaries between user and system mode are supposed to be strictly enforced, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses normal security checks that would typically prevent such privilege elevation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control capabilities. Once elevated to kernel-level privileges, malicious actors can manipulate system files, disable security features, install rootkits, and access all user data without detection. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users may have standard accounts but need to perform administrative tasks, as it allows for unauthorized privilege escalation without requiring physical access or additional authentication. The widespread deployment of affected windows versions means that organizations across various sectors were potentially vulnerable to this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7246 require immediate implementation of microsoft security patches and updates to address the kernel-mode driver vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected windows versions receive the necessary security updates. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized applications, enabling exploit protection features within windows, and monitoring system logs for suspicious privilege escalation activities. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the kernel-level access methods that allow attackers to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability also relates to common weakness enumeration cwe-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in kernel-mode code, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations.