CVE-2023-24902 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2023
The Win32k elevation of privilege vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the Windows kernel-mode subsystem that governs graphical user interface operations. This vulnerability exists in the win32k.sys driver component which handles window management, graphics rendering, and user input processing within the Windows operating system. The flaw allows malicious actors to escalate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level execution context, effectively bypassing fundamental security boundaries that protect the operating system from unauthorized access and modification.
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the win32k.sys driver when processing specific graphical object manipulation requests. The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper bounds checking and validation during the handling of user-mode requests that are processed in kernel space. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially crafted graphical objects or API calls that trigger memory corruption conditions within the kernel driver. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the trusted kernel execution environment where standard user privileges are elevated to full system privileges, creating a direct path for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-24902 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise without requiring additional exploitation techniques. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain unrestricted access to all system resources, including the ability to install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and 2022, making it a widespread concern for enterprise environments. The attack surface is particularly broad since the win32k.sys driver is actively utilized by numerous applications and system components that process graphical user interface elements.
Security researchers have identified this vulnerability as mapping to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The exploit techniques associated with this flaw align with ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as attackers can leverage the elevated privileges to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Microsoft, implementing application control policies to restrict potentially malicious graphical operations, and monitoring for unusual kernel-mode activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can provide attackers with the most powerful forms of system compromise available.