CVE-2023-29336:Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2023-29336) allows attackers to gain higher privileges through a use-after-free vulnerability.

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Description Preview

CVE-2023-29336 is a vulnerability in the Windows Win32k component that could allow an attacker to execute code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-416 (Use After Free), which occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code. A successful exploit could enable an attacker to run arbitrary code in kernel mode, install programs, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

Overview

This vulnerability affects the Windows Win32k component, which is a core part of the Windows operating system responsible for kernel-mode graphics and window management. The use-after-free vulnerability occurs when the system improperly handles objects in memory, allowing an attacker to potentially manipulate freed memory to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to log on to the system and run a specially crafted application. This is a local attack vector requiring the attacker to have prior access to the vulnerable system.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, users should apply the security updates provided by Microsoft. The following steps are recommended:

  1. Install the latest security updates from Microsoft through Windows Update
  2. Ensure automatic updates are enabled to receive future security patches
  3. Apply the principle of least privilege by restricting user permissions where possible
  4. Keep all Windows systems and applications up to date
  5. Consider implementing additional security measures such as application control policies to prevent unauthorized applications from executing

References

  1. Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC): https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2023-29336
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-416): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html
  3. Microsoft Security Updates: https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/
  4. Windows Update: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/update-windows-3c5ae7fc-9fb6-9af1-1984-b5e0412c556a

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  8. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  9. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  10. Utilities
    Utilities
  11. Information
    Information
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Construction
    Construction
  16. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  17. Mining
    Mining
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  20. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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