Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-031 - Important
Security Update for Microsoft Windows to Address Elevation of Privilege (3140410)
Published: March 8, 2016
Version: 1.0
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker is able to log on to a target system and run a specially crafted application.
This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, see the Affected Software section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows sanitizes handles in memory.
For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.
For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3140410.
Affected Software and Vulnerability Severity Ratings
The following software versions or editions are affected. Versions or editions that are not listed are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
The severity ratings indicated for each affected software assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin’s release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the March bulletin summary.
| Operating System | Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0087 | Updates Replaced* |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Vista | ||
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 | ||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows 7 | ||
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | ||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Server Core installation option | ||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (3140410) | ImportantElevation of Privilege | 3121212 in MS16-008 |
*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in any chain of superseded updates. For a comprehensive list of updates replaced, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the update KB number, and then view update details (updates replaced information is provided on the Package Details tab).
Vulnerability Information
Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0087
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Microsoft Windows fails to properly sanitize handles in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code as System. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
To exploit the vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application designed to elevate privileges. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows sanitizes handles in memory.
The following table contains links to the standard entry for each vulnerability in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list:
| Vulnerability Title | CVE number | Publicly disclosed | Exploited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability | CVE-2016-0087 | No | No |
Mitigating Factors
Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.
Workarounds
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
Security Update Deployment
For Security Update Deployment information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article referenced in the Executive Summary.
Acknowledgments
Microsoft recognizes the efforts of those in the security community who help us protect customers through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. See Acknowledgments for more information.
Disclaimer
The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.
Revisions
- V1.0 (March 8, 2016): Bulletin published.
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