CVE-2013-3660: Microsoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2013-3660 is a high (CVSS 7.8) vulnerability in Microsoft Win32k. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 28-03-2022. EPSS estimates a 39.32% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 98.5% of scored vulnerabilities. 6 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 24-05-2013
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 28-03-2022
   Added to CISA KEVMicrosoft Win32k Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
3. 18-04-2022
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 22-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

The EPATHOBJ::pprFlattenRec function in win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 does not properly initialize a pointer for the next object in a certain list, which allows local users to obtain write access to the PATHRECORD chain, and consequently gain privileges, by triggering excessive consumption of paged memory and then making many FlattenPath function calls, aka "Win32k Read AV Vulnerability."

• CWE-119Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory BufferThe product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it reads from or writes to a memory location outside the buffer's intended boundary. This may result in read or write operations on unexpected memory locations that could be linked to other variables, data structures, or internal program data.