CVE-2023-29361 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2023
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
This vulnerability exists within the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver component which operates as a kernel-mode driver responsible for intercepting and processing file system operations in cloud storage environments. The flaw represents a privilege escalation issue that allows attackers to elevate their access rights from standard user level to system level execution. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of input parameters within the driver's handling of specific file system control codes, creating a path for malicious code execution with elevated privileges. According to CWE-121, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient bounds checking permits arbitrary data to overwrite critical memory structures. The vulnerability specifically affects the way the driver processes certain file system requests related to cloud synchronization operations, enabling attackers to craft malicious inputs that trigger the overflow condition during kernel execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides a direct path for privilege escalation attacks without requiring user interaction or specific exploitation conditions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access. The vulnerability affects Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems across multiple architectures including x64 and ARM64 platforms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder) as attackers can establish persistence once they gain system-level access. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it operates at kernel level where standard user-mode protections are bypassed, making detection and prevention more challenging. The mini filter driver architecture provides a legitimate entry point for attackers to manipulate system file operations while maintaining stealth.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment from Microsoft as the primary defense mechanism, given that this vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement opportunities and monitor for unusual file system activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting user permissions and avoiding unnecessary administrative accounts. Security teams should deploy kernel-mode protection solutions and enable Windows Defender Application Control to prevent unauthorized driver loading. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious process creation patterns and unusual network connections can help detect exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any potential exploitation attempts. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability impacts organizations under frameworks such as NIST 800-53 and ISO 27001 where maintaining system integrity and privilege controls are mandatory requirements. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of kernel-mode security and highlights the need for comprehensive driver security testing and code review processes.