Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-089 - Important

Security Update for Windows Secure Kernel Mode (3170050)

Published: July 12, 2016

Version: 1.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow information disclosure when Windows Secure Kernel Mode improperly handles objects in memory.

This security update is rated Important for all supported releases of Windows 10. For more information, see the Affected Softwareand Vulnerability Severity Ratings section.

The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Secure Kernel Mode handles objects in memory to prevent information disclosure. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3170050.

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 July bulletin summary.

Operating System Windows Secure Kernel Mode Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2016-3256 **Updates Replaced*         **
Windows 10
Windows 10 for 32-bit Systems[2](3163912) Important  Information Disclosure 3163017
Windows 10 for x64-based Systems[2](3163912) Important  Information Disclosure 3163017
Windows 10 Version 1511 for 32-bit Systems[2](3172985) Important  Information Disclosure 3163018
Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems[2](3172985) Important  Information Disclosure 3163018

[1]This update is available via Windows Update.

[2]Windows 10 updates are cumulative. The monthly security release includes all security fixes for vulnerabilities that affect Windows 10, in addition to non-security updates. The updates are available via the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Note The vulnerability discussed in this bulletin affects Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4 and Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5. An update is available for Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5 via Windows Update. However, no update is available for Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4. To be protected from the vulnerability, Microsoft recommends that customers running Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4 upgrade to Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5.

*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 Secure Kernel Mode Information Disclosure Vulnerability - CVE-2016-3256

An information disclosure vulnerability exists when Windows Secure Kernel Mode improperly handles objects in memory. A locally-authenticated attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could be able to read sensitive information on the target system.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could run a specially crafted application on the target system. Note that the information disclosure vulnerability by itself would not be sufficient for an attacker to compromise a system. However, an attacker could combine this vulnerability with additional vulnerabilities to further exploit the system. The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how Windows Secure Kernel Mode handles objects in memory.

Vulnerability Title CVE number Publicly disclosed Exploited
Windows Secure Kernel Mode Information Disclosure Vulnerability CVE-2016-3256 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 (July 12, 2016): Bulletin published.

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