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HistoryJun 10, 2009 - 12:00 a.m.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-025 - Important Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (968537)

2009-06-1000:00:00
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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-025 - Important
Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (968537)
Published: June 9, 2009

Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary

This security update resolves two publicly disclosed and two privately reported vulnerabilities in the Windows kernel that could allow elevation of privilege. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities could execute arbitrary code and take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit these vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.

This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses these vulnerabilities by correcting the methods used for validating a change in specific kernel objects, for validating the input passed from user mode to the kernel, and for validating the argument passed to the system call. The security update also addresses a vulnerability by ensuring that the Windows kernel cleans up pointers under error conditions. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.

For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.

See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.

Known Issues. None
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Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software
Operating System Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

None

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

None

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*

Elevation of Privilege

Important

None

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*

Elevation of Privilege

Important

None

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Elevation of Privilege

Important

MS09-006

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

Elevation of Privilege

Important

None

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Where are the file information details?
Refer to the reference tables in the Security Update Deployment section for the location of the file information details.

Why does this update address several reported security vulnerabilities?
This update contains support for several vulnerabilities because the modifications that are required to address these issues are located in related files. Instead of having to install several updates that are almost the same, customers need to install this update only.

I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software versions or editions, visit Microsoft Product Support Services.

Customers who require custom support for older releases must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit Microsoft Worldwide Information, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

The following severity ratings 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 June bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1123 Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1124 Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1125 Windows Desktop Parameter Edit Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1126 Aggregate Severity Rating

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows XP Service Pack 3

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important

Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Not applicable

Important

Windows Vista x64 Edition, Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Not applicable

Important

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Not applicable

Important

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Not applicable

Important

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Important
Elevation of Privilege

Not applicable

Important

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1123

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows kernel does not properly validate changes in certain kernel objects. An attacker who successfully exploited this 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 view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-1123.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1123

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.
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Workarounds for Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1123

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1123

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code and take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows kernel does not properly validate changes in certain kernel objects.

What is the Windows kernel?
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this 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.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
To exploit this 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 vulnerability and take complete control over the affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting the method used for validating a change in specific kernel objects.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
Yes. This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed. It has been assigned Common Vulnerability and Exposure number CVE-2009-1123.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had seen examples of proof of concept code published publicly but had not received any direct reports that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1124

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows kernel due to the insufficient validation of certain pointers passed from user mode. An attacker who successfully exploited this 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 view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-1124.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1124

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.
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Workarounds for Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1124

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability- CVE-2009-1124

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code and take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows kernel does not properly validate certain pointers passed from user mode.

What is the Windows kernel?
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this 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.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
To exploit this 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 vulnerability and take complete control over the affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by ensuring that the Windows kernel cleans up pointers under error conditions.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1125

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists because the Windows kernel does not properly validate an argument passed to a Windows kernel system call. An attacker who successfully exploited this 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 view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-1125.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1125

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.
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Workarounds for Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1125

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1125

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code and take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows kernel does not properly validate an argument passed to a system call.

What is the Windows kernel?
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this 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.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
To exploit this 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 vulnerability and take complete control over the affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting the method used for validating the argument passed to the system call.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Desktop Parameter Edit Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1126

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel improperly validates input passed from user mode to the kernel when editing a specific desktop parameter. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to run code with elevated privileges. An attacker who successfully exploited this 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 view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2009-1126.

Mitigating Factors for Windows Desktop Parameter Edit Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1126

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.
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Workarounds for Windows Desktop Parameter Edit Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1126

Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Desktop Parameter Edit Vulnerability - CVE-2009-1126

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is an elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code and take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows kernel does not properly validate input passed from user mode to the kernel when editing a specific desktop parameter.

What is the Windows kernel?
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this 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.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
To exploit this 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 vulnerability and take complete control over the affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.

What does the update do?
The update addresses this vulnerability by correcting the method used for validating the input passed from user mode to the kernel when setting a specific desktop parameter.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
Yes. This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed. It has been assigned Common Vulnerability and Exposure number CVE-2009-1126.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had seen examples of proof of concept code published publicly but had not received any direct reports that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.

Other Information
Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

Thomas Garnier for reporting the Windows Kernel Pointer Validation Vulnerability (CVE-2009-1124) and the Windows Driver Class Registration Vulnerability (CVE-2009-1125)
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Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.

International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

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 (June 9, 2009): Bulletin published.

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