CVE-2023-35355 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2023
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2023
This vulnerability resides within the Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, a component that operates at the kernel level to manage cloud storage integration functionalities. The flaw represents a privilege escalation weakness that allows unprivileged users to gain elevated system privileges through manipulation of the driver's internal processing mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the mini filter driver fails to properly validate input parameters or enforce adequate access controls during file system operations involving cloud synchronization activities. According to CWE-264, this constitutes a permissions flaw where insufficient privilege checks enable unauthorized elevation of privileges.
The technical exploitation occurs through careful manipulation of cloud file operations that traverse the mini filter driver's execution path. Attackers can craft specific file system requests or manipulate cloud synchronization states to trigger code paths within the driver that bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability leverages the driver's interaction with kernel memory management and file system transaction processing, where inadequate bounds checking allows memory corruption or control flow redirection. This type of flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or privileges to gain system-level access.
Operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as the vulnerability affects enterprise environments where cloud storage integration is prevalent. Organizations utilizing Windows systems with cloud file synchronization features face potential compromise of entire domains when this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The kernel-level nature of the flaw means that successful exploitation results in complete system takeover without requiring additional attack vectors or user interaction beyond initial access. Security teams must consider that this vulnerability can be leveraged by malware or advanced persistent threats to establish persistence and escalate privileges across networked environments.
Mitigation strategies focus on immediate patching through Microsoft security updates, which address the specific validation issues within the mini filter driver implementation. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual cloud file synchronization activities and abnormal privilege escalation patterns. Additional controls include disabling unnecessary cloud storage integration features when not required, implementing strict user access controls, and maintaining current antivirus signatures that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel-level security testing and proper input validation in driver code as outlined by Microsoft's Secure Development Lifecycle practices. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while regular security assessments help identify similar vulnerabilities in other kernel components or third-party drivers.