Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to cause the system to restart, resulting in a denial of service condition. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition.
The vulnerability is due to errors when the Windows kernel handles exceptions. A local attacker could exploit the vulnerability by running a malicious executable. If successful, the attacker could cause the system to restart, resulting in a DoS condition.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
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 a system and execute a malicious program to exploit the vulnerability. The attacker must possess authentication credentials that are sufficient to log on to the system as well as either physical access to the system console or a remote method, such as Terminal Services or Remote Desktop. The access requirements likely limit the pool of attackers to current users of the affected system. An attacker cannot exploit this vulnerability to gain additional privileges on the system.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the April 2010 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 April 2010
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin available at the following link: MS10-021
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the system to stop responding and restart, resulting in a DoS condition.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to errors that occur when the Windows kernel handles exceptions. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a malicious program that is designed to trigger an exception error that may be improperly handled. When the error occurs, the kernel may cause the system to fail and restart, resulting in a DoS condition.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to install the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to restrict local system access to trusted users.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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.
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