Vulnerabilities > CVE-2016-7255 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls vulnerability in Microsoft products

047910
CVSS 7.2 - HIGH
Attack vector
LOCAL
Attack complexity
LOW
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
COMPLETE
Integrity impact
COMPLETE
Availability impact
COMPLETE
local
low complexity
microsoft
CWE-264
nessus
exploit available

Summary

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, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607, and Windows Server 2016 allow local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Accessing, Modifying or Executing Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an attacker to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an attacker to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
  • Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files, when the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high. The attack can be directed at a client system, such as causing buffer overrun through loading seemingly benign image files, as in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-028 where specially crafted JPEG files could cause a buffer overrun once loaded into the browser. Another example targets clients reading pdf files. In this case the attacker simply appends javascript to the end of a legitimate url for a pdf (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/danger-danger-danger/) http://path/to/pdf/file.pdf#whatever_name_you_want=javascript:your_code_here The client assumes that they are reading a pdf, but the attacker has modified the resource and loaded executable javascript into the client's browser process. The attack can also target server processes. The attacker edits the resource or configuration file, for example a web.xml file used to configure security permissions for a J2EE app server, adding role name "public" grants all users with the public role the ability to use the administration functionality. The server trusts its configuration file to be correct, but when they are manipulated, the attacker gains full control.
  • Blue Boxing
    This type of attack against older telephone switches and trunks has been around for decades. A tone is sent by an adversary to impersonate a supervisor signal which has the effect of rerouting or usurping command of the line. While the US infrastructure proper may not contain widespread vulnerabilities to this type of attack, many companies are connected globally through call centers and business process outsourcing. These international systems may be operated in countries which have not upgraded Telco infrastructure and so are vulnerable to Blue boxing. Blue boxing is a result of failure on the part of the system to enforce strong authorization for administrative functions. While the infrastructure is different than standard current applications like web applications, there are historical lessons to be learned to upgrade the access control for administrative functions.
  • Restful Privilege Elevation
    Rest uses standard HTTP (Get, Put, Delete) style permissions methods, but these are not necessarily correlated generally with back end programs. Strict interpretation of HTTP get methods means that these HTTP Get services should not be used to delete information on the server, but there is no access control mechanism to back up this logic. This means that unless the services are properly ACL'd and the application's service implementation are following these guidelines then an HTTP request can easily execute a delete or update on the server side. The attacker identifies a HTTP Get URL such as http://victimsite/updateOrder, which calls out to a program to update orders on a database or other resource. The URL is not idempotent so the request can be submitted multiple times by the attacker, additionally, the attacker may be able to exploit the URL published as a Get method that actually performs updates (instead of merely retrieving data). This may result in malicious or inadvertent altering of data on the server.
  • Target Programs with Elevated Privileges
    This attack targets programs running with elevated privileges. The attacker would try to leverage a bug in the running program and get arbitrary code to execute with elevated privileges. For instance an attacker would look for programs that write to the system directories or registry keys (such as HKLM, which stores a number of critical Windows environment variables). These programs are typically running with elevated privileges and have usually not been designed with security in mind. Such programs are excellent exploit targets because they yield lots of power when they break. The malicious user try to execute its code at the same level as a privileged system call.

Exploit-Db

  • descriptionMicrosoft Windows Kernel - 'win32k.sys' 'NtSetWindowLongPtr' Privilege Escalation (MS16-135) (2). CVE-2016-7255. Local exploit for Windows platform
    fileexploits/windows/local/41015.c
    idEDB-ID:41015
    last seen2017-01-11
    modified2017-01-08
    platformwindows
    port
    published2017-01-08
    reporterExploit-DB
    sourcehttps://www.exploit-db.com/download/41015/
    titleMicrosoft Windows Kernel - 'win32k.sys' 'NtSetWindowLongPtr' Privilege Escalation (MS16-135) (2)
    typelocal
  • descriptionMicrosoft Windows Kernel - win32k Denial of Service (MS16-135). CVE-2016-7255. Dos exploit for Windows platform
    fileexploits/windows/dos/40745.c
    idEDB-ID:40745
    last seen2016-11-10
    modified2016-11-09
    platformwindows
    port
    published2016-11-09
    reporterExploit-DB
    sourcehttps://www.exploit-db.com/download/40745/
    titleMicrosoft Windows Kernel - win32k Denial of Service (MS16-135)
    typedos
  • descriptionMicrosoft Windows Kernel win32k.sys - 'NtSetWindowLongPtr' Privilege Escalation (MS16-135). CVE-2016-7255. Local exploit for Windows platform
    fileexploits/windows/local/40823.txt
    idEDB-ID:40823
    last seen2016-11-24
    modified2016-11-24
    platformwindows
    port
    published2016-11-24
    reporterExploit-DB
    sourcehttps://www.exploit-db.com/download/40823/
    titleMicrosoft Windows Kernel win32k.sys - 'NtSetWindowLongPtr' Privilege Escalation (MS16-135)
    typelocal

Msbulletin

bulletin_idMS16-135
bulletin_url
date2016-11-08T00:00:00
impactElevation of Privilege
knowledgebase_id3199135
knowledgebase_url
severityImportant
titleSecurity Update for Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers

Nessus

NASL familyWindows : Microsoft Bulletins
NASL idSMB_NT_MS16-135.NASL
descriptionThe remote Windows host is missing a security update. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities : - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel that allows a local attacker, via a specially crafted application, to bypass the Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) feature and retrieve the memory address of a kernel object. (CVE-2016-7214) - Multiple elevation of privilege vulnerabilities exist in the Windows kernel-mode driver due to improper handling of objects in memory. A local attacker can exploit these, via a specially crafted application, to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode. (CVE-2016-7215, CVE-2016-7246, CVE-2016-7255) - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the bowser.sys kernel-mode driver due to improper handling objects in memory. A local attacker can exploit this, via a specially crafted application, to disclose sensitive information. (CVE-2016-7218)
last seen2020-06-01
modified2020-06-02
plugin id94636
published2016-11-08
reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2018 Tenable Network Security, Inc.
sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/94636
titleMS16-135: Security Update for Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers (3199135)
code
#
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#

include("compat.inc");

if (description)
{
  script_id(94636);
  script_version("1.11");
  script_cvs_date("Date: 2018/11/15 20:50:32");

  script_cve_id(
    "CVE-2016-7214",
    "CVE-2016-7215",
    "CVE-2016-7218",
    "CVE-2016-7246",
    "CVE-2016-7255"
  );
  script_bugtraq_id(
    93991,
    94000,
    94004,
    94063,
    94064
  );
  script_xref(name:"MSFT", value:"MS16-135");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3198234");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3194371");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197867");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197868");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197873");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197874");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197876");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3197877");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3198585");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3198586");
  script_xref(name:"MSKB", value:"3200970");
  script_xref(name:"IAVA", value:"2016-A-0322");

  script_name(english:"MS16-135: Security Update for Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers (3199135)");
  script_summary(english:"Checks the version of ntoskrnl.exe or the installed rollup.");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
"The remote host is affected by multiple vulnerabilities.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
"The remote Windows host is missing a security update. It is,
therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities :

  - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the
    Windows kernel that allows a local attacker, via a
    specially crafted application, to bypass the Address
    Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) feature and retrieve
    the memory address of a kernel object. (CVE-2016-7214)

  - Multiple elevation of privilege vulnerabilities exist in
    the Windows kernel-mode driver due to improper handling
    of objects in memory. A local attacker can exploit
    these, via a specially crafted application, to execute
    arbitrary code in kernel mode. (CVE-2016-7215,
    CVE-2016-7246, CVE-2016-7255)

  - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the
    bowser.sys kernel-mode driver due to improper handling
    objects in memory. A local attacker can exploit this,
    via a specially crafted application, to disclose
    sensitive information. (CVE-2016-7218)");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/SecurityBulletins/2016/ms16-135");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
"Microsoft has released a set of patches for Windows Vista, 2008, 7,
2008 R2, 2012, 8.1, RT 8.1, 2012 R2, 10, and 2016.");
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:H/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
  script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:H/RL:O/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_core", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploited_by_malware", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_canvas", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"canvas_package", value:'CANVAS');

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/11/08");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/11/08");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/11/08");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:microsoft:windows");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"stig_severity", value:"II");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_family(english:"Windows : Microsoft Bulletins");

  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2018 Tenable Network Security, Inc.");

  script_dependencies("smb_hotfixes.nasl", "ms_bulletin_checks_possible.nasl", "smb_check_rollup.nasl");
  script_require_keys("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");
  script_require_ports(139, 445, "Host/patch_management_checks");

  exit(0);
}

include("audit.inc");
include("smb_hotfixes_fcheck.inc");
include("smb_hotfixes.inc");
include("smb_func.inc");
include("smb_reg_query.inc");
include("misc_func.inc");

get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/MS_Bulletin_Checks/Possible");

bulletin = 'MS16-135';
kbs = make_list(
  '3198234',
  '3194371',
  '3197867',
  '3197868',
  '3197873',
  '3197874',
  '3197876',
  '3197877',
  '3198585',
  '3198586',
  '3200970'

);

if (get_kb_item("Host/patch_management_checks")) hotfix_check_3rd_party(bulletin:bulletin, kbs:kbs, severity:SECURITY_HOLE);

get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/Registry/Enumerated");
get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/WindowsVersion", exit_code:1);

if (hotfix_check_sp_range(vista:'2', win7:'1', win8:'0', win81:'0', win10:'0') <= 0) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);

# Windows 8 EOL
productname = get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/ProductName", exit_code:1);
if ("Windows 8" >< productname && "8.1" >!< productname) audit(AUDIT_OS_SP_NOT_VULN);

share = hotfix_get_systemdrive(as_share:TRUE, exit_on_fail:TRUE);
if (!is_accessible_share(share:share)) audit(AUDIT_SHARE_FAIL, share);

if (
  # Vista / 2008
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"win32k.sys", version:"6.0.6002.24029", min_version:"6.0.6002.23000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3198234") ||
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"win32k.sys", version:"6.0.6002.19706", min_version:"6.0.6002.18000", dir:"\system32", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3198234") ||
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"bowser.sys", version:"6.0.6002.24021", min_version:"6.0.6002.23000", dir:"\system32\drivers", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3194371") ||
  hotfix_is_vulnerable(os:"6.0", sp:2, file:"bowser.sys", version:"6.0.6002.19698", min_version:"6.0.6002.18000", dir:"\system32\drivers", bulletin:bulletin, kb:"3194371") ||
  # 8.1 / 2012 R2
  smb_check_rollup(os:"6.3",
                   sp:0,
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3197873, 3197874)) ||
  # 2012
  smb_check_rollup(os:"6.2",
                   sp:0,
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3197876, 3197877)) ||
  # 7 / 2008 R2
  smb_check_rollup(os:"6.1",
                   sp:1,
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3197867, 3197868)) ||
  # 10 (1507)
  smb_check_rollup(os:"10",
                   sp:0,
                   os_build:"10240",
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3198585)) ||
  # 10 (1511)
  smb_check_rollup(os:"10",
                   sp:0,
                   os_build:"10586",
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3198586)) ||
  # 10 (1607)
  smb_check_rollup(os:"10",
                   sp:0,
                   os_build:"14393",
                   rollup_date: "11_2016",
                   bulletin:bulletin,
                   rollup_kb_list:make_list(3200970))
)
{
  set_kb_item(name:'SMB/Missing/'+bulletin, value:TRUE);
  hotfix_security_hole();
  hotfix_check_fversion_end();
  exit(0);
}
else
{
  hotfix_check_fversion_end();
  audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, hotfix_get_audit_report());
}

Packetstorm

Seebug

bulletinFamilyexploit
descriptionIf the Windows kernel-mode drivers do not properly handle objects in memory, then there will be multiple elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability an attacker can run in kernel mode arbitrary code. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create with full user permissions to the new account. The attacker must first log in to the system, and then to exploit these vulnerabilities. Then the attacker can run a exploit these vulnerabilities and through the Special design of the application, allowing control of the affected system. The update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory to resolve these vulnerabilities.
idSSV:92530
last seen2017-11-19
modified2016-11-10
published2016-11-10
reporterRoot
sourcehttps://www.seebug.org/vuldb/ssvid-92530
titleWin32k elevation of privilege vulnerability MS16-135)(CVE-2016-7255)

The Hacker News

idTHN:F8BDC767F3D202913920E1C28D137377
last seen2018-01-27
modified2016-11-09
published2016-11-09
reporterMohit Kumar
sourcehttps://thehackernews.com/2016/11/microsoft-windows-update.html
titleMicrosoft Patches Windows Zero-Day Flaw Disclosed by Google