CVE-2019-0696 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0696 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows kernel operating system. This weakness arises from the kernel's improper handling of memory objects, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019, making it a widespread concern across enterprise and consumer environments. The flaw operates at the core of the operating system's security model, where the kernel's memory management functions fail to adequately validate or sanitize object references during processing.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within kernel-mode components responsible for memory object manipulation. When the Windows kernel processes certain memory operations, it fails to properly verify the integrity of object references, potentially allowing crafted malicious input to manipulate kernel data structures. This memory handling deficiency creates a condition where an attacker can manipulate kernel objects to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the kernel manages object references during memory allocation and deallocation processes, where improper validation allows for memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0696 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to achieve system-level compromise without requiring physical access or elevated privileges initially. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with kernel-level privileges, providing complete control over the affected system. This includes the ability to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where it could enable attackers to compromise multiple systems and potentially move laterally across networks. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by its availability in the Windows kernel, making it accessible to attackers who may not have specialized knowledge of kernel exploitation techniques. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious documents, web-based attacks, or by leveraging other initial compromise techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0696 primarily focus on applying Microsoft security patches and updates as soon as they become available. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of the relevant security updates from Microsoft's monthly security bulletin releases, particularly the patches released in May 2019. Network administrators should implement layered security approaches including endpoint protection solutions, network monitoring tools, and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework places it within the privilege escalation category, specifically targeting techniques that leverage operating system weaknesses to gain elevated privileges. System hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing least privilege access controls, and maintaining up-to-date security configurations can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should monitor for anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual memory access patterns or unexpected privilege escalation events. Organizations should also consider implementing advanced threat detection mechanisms that can identify the specific memory manipulation patterns associated with this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure systems remain protected against exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility and prevent potential system disruptions.