CVE-2023-28218 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2023
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2023
The Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock represents a critical elevation of privilege vulnerability that affects multiple Windows operating systems including windows 10 version 1607 and later windows 11 versions 21h2 and 22h2. This vulnerability resides within the ancillary function driver component that manages socket operations and network communication within the windows kernel. The flaw stems from improper handling of privilege levels during socket function calls, specifically when processing certain network operations that should be restricted to kernel mode access. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with standard user privileges to escalate their access level and gain kernel mode execution capabilities. This represents a significant security risk as it bypasses standard windows security mechanisms and privilege separation controls that are fundamental to the operating system's security model. The affected driver component is integral to windows networking functionality and handles various socket operations including those related to winsock api calls and network protocol handling.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific flaw in how the ancillary function driver processes socket operations that involve privilege checks. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly validate the privilege level of incoming socket function calls, allowing unprivileged user mode processes to manipulate kernel mode operations through crafted socket parameters. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel level privileges, effectively bypassing windows security controls such as user mode to kernel mode transitions and privilege validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is categorized under cwe-269 privilege escalation and specifically relates to improper privilege management within kernel mode drivers. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete system control, install rootkits, modify system files, and potentially access sensitive data without detection. The exploitation requires local access to the system but does not require network connectivity or remote attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture of windows systems. Once exploited, attackers can bypass standard security controls including application whitelisting, antivirus software, and windows defender protections since they operate at kernel level. This vulnerability enables attackers to modify system memory, manipulate kernel data structures, and potentially persist across system reboots through kernel level persistence mechanisms. The attack surface is significant given that the affected driver is part of core windows networking functionality and is accessed by numerous applications and system components. Organizations running affected windows versions face substantial risk of system compromise, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability also poses challenges for security monitoring as kernel level activities are often difficult to detect through standard endpoint protection solutions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of microsoft security updates and patches to address the underlying driver flaw. Organizations should prioritize patching all affected windows systems and implement additional security controls including disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for suspicious kernel level activities. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized programs that could exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with several attack techniques documented in the attack framework including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Security teams should enhance their monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous kernel mode activities and implement comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may be running unpatched versions of the affected driver components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.