Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute code with escalated privileges. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain escalated privileges.
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of callback parameters by the Windows win32k.sys kernel driver. A local attacker could exploit the vulnerability by running an executable program that sends malicious requests to the Windows kernel. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with elevated 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 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 7 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker cannot remotely exploit the vulnerability. Instead, the attacker must log on locally to a system to trigger an exploit. As a result, the source of attacks is most likely to be current users of affected systems who wish to exploit the vulnerability to gain additional privileges.
Likely targets for exploitation include shared systems such as web hosts, terminal servers, or multiple user workstations that store data and applications from multiple sources and use privilege restrictions to separate user access. An unprivileged user on a shared system may wish to exploit the vulnerability to steal information from another system user, or gain additional privileges on the system to perform administrative actions to mount an insider attack.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the June 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 June 2010
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS10-032
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to take complete control over the system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of callback parameters by the Windows win32k.sys kernel driver during the creation of new windows. A local attacker could exploit the vulnerability by running a program designed to submit malicious parameters to the kernel driver. When processed, the parameters could cause an error condition, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the elevated privileges of the Windows kernel.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to limit local system access.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
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.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
Alerts and bulletins on the Cisco Security Intelligence Operations Portal are highlighted by analysts in the
Cisco Threat Operations Center and represent a subset of the comprehensive content that is available through Cisco Security IntelliShield Alert Manager Service.
This customizable threat and vulnerability alert service provides security staff with access to timely, accurate, and credible information about threats and vulnerabilities that may affect their environment. Cisco is pleased to offer a free trial of the service.
To register for full access, please visit the IntelliShield trial registration page.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER The urgency and severity ratings of this alert are not tailored to individual users; users may value alerts differently based upon their network configurations and circumstances. THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DO NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE ALERT, IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. INFORMATION IN THIS ALERT AND ANY RELATED COMMUNICATIONS IS BASED ON OUR KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE ALERTS AT ANY TIME.
