External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Local Privilege Escalation

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-0167

Local users can gain elevated privileges on affected Microsoft Windows systems by running a specially crafted application, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and data compromise. This vulnerability impacts the Win32k component and poses a business risk by affecting system integrity and enabling further m

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-0167

The vulnerability exists in a kernel-mode driver and requires local access to execute a crafted application to achieve privilege escalation. It is not reachable via the public internet and does not involve network-facing services or remote attack vectors.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability impacts the Win32k component within Microsoft Windows operating systems. A flaw in this component allows a local user with a specially crafted application to elevate their privileges. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system, potentially compromising data and operational integrity.

Vulnerable Win32k component
Flaw enables privilege escalation
Compromises system access and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A local user can exploit a vulnerability in the Windows kernel-mode driver. This allows an attacker to execute a specially crafted application, leading to elevated privileges on the affected system. This type of vulnerability impacts organizations by potentially compromising system integrity and enabling further malicious activity.

Requires local system access.
Attacker runs a crafted application.
Results in elevated user privileges.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for an attacker with local access to a system to elevate their privileges. The attack involves running a specially crafted application on the affected system. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and modification of system configurations, posing a significant business risk.

Likely attacker skill level: Low
Required access or conditions: Local system access
Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges through a specially crafted application. It affects certain versions of Microsoft Windows. Addressing this requires identifying affected systems, limiting potential exposure, applying vendor-provided solutions, and verifying successful implementation.

Find affected Windows assets.
Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
Apply, verify, and monitor fixes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability impacting Microsoft Windows?

The Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-0167, is a security flaw in the kernel-mode driver of Microsoft Windows. It allows a local user to gain elevated privileges on the affected system by executing a crafted application. This can lead to unauthorized access and control, potentially compromising system integrity and data.

How does the Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability work?

This vulnerability operates by exploiting a flaw within the Win32k component of Microsoft Windows. A local attacker can run a specially crafted application that leverages this weakness to escalate their privileges on the compromised system. This is a privilege escalation type of weakness.

What is required for a successful exploit of this vulnerability?

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires local system access. An attacker must be able to execute a crafted application on the affected Windows system to trigger the privilege escalation. It does not involve remote or network-based attack vectors.

What is the significance of CVE-2016-0167 in the context of threat advisories?

CVE-2016-0167 is a significant vulnerability because it allows for privilege escalation on Microsoft Windows systems. The Halo Surface Signal indicates it is 'Very unlikely' to be exploited externally due to its local access requirement. However, its ability to grant elevated privileges makes it a high-risk internal threat.

What practical steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

To address this vulnerability, organizations should first identify all affected Microsoft Windows assets. Then, it's crucial to limit potential exposure and isolate any at-risk systems. The primary remediation involves applying vendor-provided solutions and patches. Finally, organizations must verify that these fixes have been successfully implemented and continue to monitor for any residual risks.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.