Vulnerability in Windows Audio Service Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3005607)
Published: November 11, 2014
Version: 1.0
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an application uses the Microsoft Windows Audio service. The vulnerability by itself does not allow arbitrary code to be run. The vulnerability would have to be used in conjunction with another vulnerability that allowed remote code execution.
This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows RT, and Windows RT 8.1. For more information, see the Affected Software section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by adding additional permission validations to the Microsoft Windows Audio service component. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability.
The following software has been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions 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 following severity ratings 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 November bulletin summary.
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Windows Audio Service Vulnerability - CVE-2014-6322
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows audio service component. The vulnerability is caused when the Microsoft Windows Audio service improperly validates permissions under specific conditions, potentially allowing script to be run with elevated privileges. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. When this security bulletin was issued, Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers. The update addresses the vulnerability by adding additional permission validations to the Microsoft Windows Audio service component.
This vulnerability by itself does not allow arbitrary code to be run. The vulnerability would have to be used in conjunction with another vulnerability that allowed remote code execution. For example, an attacker could exploit another vulnerability to run arbitrary code through Internet Explorer, but due to the context in which processes are launched by Internet Explorer, the code might be restricted to run at a low integrity level (very limited permissions). However, an attacker could, in turn, exploit this vulnerability to cause the arbitrary code to run at a medium integrity level (permissions of the current user).
Workarounds
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
FAQ
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability in the Windows Audio service could elevate privileges on affected systems.
This vulnerability by itself does not allow arbitrary code to be run. However, the vulnerability could be used in conjunction with another vulnerability (e.g., a remote code execution vulnerability) that could take advantage of the elevated privileges when attempting to run arbitrary code.
How could an attacker exploit this vulnerability?
In one possible attack scenario, an attacker could host a website that is used to attempt to exploit this vulnerability. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability. In this scenario, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action. For example, an attacker could exploit another vulnerability to run arbitrary code through Internet Explorer. An attacker could then, in turn, exploit this vulnerability to cause the arbitrary code to run at a medium integrity level (permissions of the current user).
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.
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