#VU975 Privilege escalation in Microsoft Client/Desktop applications


Published: 2020-03-18

Vulnerability identifier: #VU975

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 8.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-7182

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Microsoft Office
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Word Viewer
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Microsoft Lync
Client/Desktop applications / Messaging software
Lync Attendee
Client/Desktop applications / Messaging software
Microsoft Live Meeting
Client/Desktop applications / Messaging software

Vendor: Microsoft

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists due to boundary error in the Microsoft Windows kernel-mode driver (Win32k). By running a malicious program on the affected system attackers can execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in a complete system compromise.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Microsoft Office: 2010

Windows: 10, 8, 7, 8.1 RT, Vista

Windows Server: 2008 - 2008 R2

Word Viewer: 2007

Microsoft Lync:

Lync Attendee: 2010

Microsoft Live Meeting: 2007 Console


External links
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/MS16-120


Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.


Latest bulletins with this vulnerability