Microsoft Windows win32k.sys Bitmap Null Pointer Dereference Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on vulnerable installations of Microsoft Windows. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of bitmap objects. By performing a certain sequence of calls to win32k.sys, an attacker can cause the kernel to make use of a null pointer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privilege to SYSTEM.
Additional Details
Microsoft has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/MS16-135
Disclosure Timeline
- 2016-07-29 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2016-11-08 - Coordinated public release of advisory
Credit
bee13oy of CloverSec Labs
