External risk intelligence

Microsoft Windows Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-3309

A vulnerability in Microsoft Windows kernel-mode drivers allows local users to elevate privileges by executing a crafted application. This could permit an attacker with local access to gain elevated control over the system, posing a business risk.

1Halo Surface Signal

Microsoft Windows 10 1507

r2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-3309

The vulnerability is a privilege escalation flaw in the Windows kernel. Exploitation requires a user to already have local access to the system to execute a crafted application. It is not reachable via the public internet, and there is no network-facing component or interface associated with this vulnerability.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The kernel-mode drivers in several versions of Microsoft Windows are susceptible to a vulnerability. A local user with a specially crafted application can exploit this flaw. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode.

  • Vulnerable Windows kernel-mode drivers
  • Improper handling of objects in memory
  • Attacker gains elevated privileges

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows local users to escalate their privileges on affected Microsoft Windows systems by executing a specially crafted application. Exploiting this could enable an attacker to gain elevated control over the system. The attack vector requires an attacker to already have access to the targeted machine.

  • Local access to the system is required.
  • Attacker runs a crafted application.
  • Attacker gains elevated control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges on affected Windows systems. An attacker with existing access to a system could exploit this by running a specially crafted application. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and system control.

  • Low skill level attackers can exploit.
  • Requires local access to the system.
  • High business risk; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows local users to gain elevated privileges within the Windows operating system. Exploitation of this issue could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, increasing their control over affected systems. Organizations should prioritize identifying and addressing this risk to prevent potential unauthorized access and system compromise.

  • Find affected systems and software.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Apply vendor fixes and verify.
  • Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What Microsoft Windows versions are affected by the kernel-mode driver vulnerability?

The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 (Gold, 1511, and 1607) are affected by this vulnerability.

What type of weakness does CVE-2016-3309 represent?

CVE-2016-3309 is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. This means a local user with limited system access could exploit this weakness to gain administrator-level control over the affected system.

How can an attacker exploit this Windows vulnerability?

An attacker with local access to an affected system can exploit this vulnerability by running a specially crafted application. This crafted application can trigger the vulnerability, allowing the attacker to gain elevated privileges.

What is the relevance of CVE-2016-3309 according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that this vulnerability is a privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel. Exploitation necessitates local system access to run a crafted application, making it not reachable via the public internet.

What steps should organizations take to address this vulnerability?

Organizations should prioritize identifying affected systems and software, reduce exposure or isolate risk, apply vendor fixes, and verify their implementation. Continuous monitoring for related issues is also recommended to prevent potential unauthorized access and system compromise.

References