Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the affected system.
This vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation on data contained within system calls sent to the Win32k.sys kernel driver. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by executing a program designed to submit malicious input to the kernel. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code in the elevated security context of the Windows Kernel, granting the attacker escalated privileges.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
Windows 2000 SP4 and prior
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker must be able to log on locally to an affected system and run a custom program in order to exploit this vulnerability, limiting the source of potential exploits.
Multi-user workstations, terminal servers, and shared hosting platforms may be at greatest risk, as users with limited privilege accounts may attempt to gain additional privileges to gain access to other users' files. An exploit on an end-user system has little practical impact, as dedicated, single-user hosts are typically only accessed by the single administrative owner.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the November 2009 security bulletin release. This Cisco bulletin, which assists administrators in identifying or mitigating these vulnerabilities using Cisco devices, is available at the following link: Cisco Applied Mitigation Bulletin: Microsoft Security Bulletin Release for November 2009
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS09-065
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the Windows Kernel, granting the attacker escalated privileges, possibly resulting in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation on data contained within system calls sent to the Win32k.sys kernel driver. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a custom program designed to submit malicious input to the Windows Kernel. Processing of the malicious system call could trigger an error condition that could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the Windows Kernel security context.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the available software updates.
Administrators are advised to only grant local system access to trusted users.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Patches/Software
Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the security bulletin. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and available on the Windows Update website. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
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