Microsoft Security Bulletin MS16-014 - Important

• 10/11/2017
• 14 minutes to read
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Security Update for Microsoft Windows to Address Remote Code Execution (3134228)

Published: February 9, 2016 | Updated: February 10, 2016

Version: 2.0

Executive Summary

This security update resolves vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The most severe of the vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution 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 releases of Microsoft Windows. For more information, see the Affected Software section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by:

• Correcting how the Windows kernel handles objects in memory
• Correcting how Windows validates input before loading DLL files
• Correcting how Microsoft Sync Framework validates input
• Adding an additional authentication check

For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Vulnerability Information section.

For more information about this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 3134228.

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 February bulletin summary.

^[2]Windows 10 updates are cumulative. In addition to containing non-security updates, they also contain all of the security fixes for all of the Windows 10-affected vulnerabilities shipping with the monthly security release. The update is available via the Windows Update Catalog.

Note Windows Server Technical Preview 4 is affected. Customers running this operating system are encouraged to apply the update, which is available via Windows Update.

*The Updates Replaced column shows only the latest update in any chain of superseded updates.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).

Update FAQ

Does this update contain any additional security-related changes to functionality?
In addition to the changes that are listed for the vulnerabilities described in this bulletin, this update includes defense-in-depth updates to help improve credential protection and domain authentication controls to reduce credential theft. For more information see Microsoft Security Advisory 2871997.

Vulnerability Information

Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2016-0040

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. 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 that could exploit the vulnerabilities and take control over an affected system. The update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting how the Windows kernel handles objects in memory.

```
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon\
```  

3. Double click the "CachedLogonsCount" key
4. Change the value to "0"

Impact of workaround. Domain users will not be able to log on if their device is not connected to the network.

How to undo the workaround

1. Open Registry Editor

2. Locate and then click the following registry sub key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon\
   

3. Double click the "CachedLogonsCount" key

4. Change the value to "10"

Security Update Deployment

For Security Update Deployment information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article referenced here 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 (February 9, 2016): Bulletin published.
• V2.0 (February 10, 2016): Bulletin revised to announce the availability of update 3126041 for Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2. Customers should apply the applicable updates to be protected from the vulnerabilities discussed in this bulletin. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because the updates will be downloaded and installed automatically.

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