Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of permissions. A local attacker could construct a specially crafted application and run it on the vulnerable system. If successful, the attacker could obtain elevated privileges on the system, possibly resulting in a complete system compromise.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and has released updated software.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
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
Windows 7 for 32-bit systems SP1 and prior
Windows 7 for x64-based systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based systems SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker would need to have local access to a vulnerable system and have valid credentials to log in to the system. The attacker would then need to craft a special application and run it on the compromised system. These requirements could limit the potential for a possible attack.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the August 2011 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 August 2011
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS11-063
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system. If these privileges hold administrative rights, the attacker could fully compromise the affected system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is triggered due to improper validation of lower-integrity processes when communicating to a device event message with a higher-integrity process.
An elevation of privileges in the Client/Server Run-time Subsystem (CSRSS) could be possible if a local attacker crafts a special application and runs it on the affected system. This action could allow the execution of arbitrary code in the context of another process running on the system. If this process runs with elevated privileges, such as administrative privileges, a complete system compromise could occur.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
Administrators are advised to implement physical security for production servers.
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 affected 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, SP1, SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
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