CVE-2019-0797 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2019-0808.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0797 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within the Windows operating system that specifically targets the Win32k component. This component serves as a crucial kernel-mode driver responsible for managing user interface elements and graphics operations in Windows. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of objects in memory, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The Win32k.sys driver is particularly sensitive because it operates in kernel mode and interacts directly with hardware resources, making any memory handling errors potentially catastrophic for system security. This flaw is distinct from CVE-2019-0808, which addresses a different vulnerability within the same Windows subsystem, highlighting the complexity and interconnected nature of kernel-mode security issues in modern operating systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious code triggers specific conditions within the Win32k component that cause improper memory management during object handling operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specially designed applications or exploits that manipulate the graphics subsystem to force the kernel driver into an insecure state where memory corruption occurs. The vulnerability typically manifests through Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) operations that process user-supplied data without proper validation, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of 'Stack-based Buffer Overflow' and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' through kernel-mode exploits. The memory handling flaw allows attackers to manipulate kernel data structures and potentially overwrite critical system components, enabling privilege escalation without requiring direct physical access or complex attack chains.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0797 is severe as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to achieve SYSTEM-level privileges on vulnerable Windows systems. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to bypass standard security controls, access all system resources, steal sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface includes all Windows versions that contain the vulnerable Win32k component, particularly Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows 10 versions up to the affected releases. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsing, email attachments, or malicious software downloads, making it a preferred target for advanced persistent threat groups and malware authors. The lack of user interaction requirements in many exploitation scenarios means that systems can be compromised simply by viewing malicious content, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0797 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. Microsoft released security updates in the July 2019 Patch Tuesday release that address this vulnerability through proper memory handling in the Win32k component. Organizations should prioritize applying these security patches as a critical remediation step, particularly for systems that are not automatically updated or are in restricted environments. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious code, enabling Windows Defender Application Control, and configuring security features like Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual privilege escalation activities, while security teams should implement behavioral analysis tools to identify anomalous GDI operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK tactic T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) emphasizes the need for comprehensive monitoring of system calls and privilege escalation events. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may have been compromised, while incident response procedures should be updated to include specific protocols for handling privilege escalation vulnerabilities in kernel-mode components.