SecurityvulnsSECURITYVULNS:DOC:24446Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-047 - Important Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (981852)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-047 - Important
Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (981852)
Published: August 10, 2010
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves several privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker logged on locally and ran a specially crafted application. 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 Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008; and Moderate for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting Windows kernel object initialization and validation of access control lists and by introducing additional runtime validation to the thread creation mechanism. 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
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Elevation of Privilege
Important
MS10-021
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Denial of Service
Moderate
MS10-021
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Denial of Service
Moderate
MS10-021
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems*
Denial of Service
Moderate
MS10-021
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems
Denial of Service
Moderate
MS10-021
*Server Core installation affected. This update applies, with the same severity rating, to supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, whether or not installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Non-Affected Software
Operating System
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
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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. For more information about the product lifecycle, visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Web site.
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. To determine the support lifecycle for your software release, see Select a Product for Lifecycle Information. For more information about service packs for these software releases, see Lifecycle Supported Service Packs.
Customers who require custom support for older software 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 the Microsoft Worldwide Information Web site, select the country in the Contact Information list, 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 Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy 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 August bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Kernel Data Initialization Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1888 Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1889 Windows Kernel Improper Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1890 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Not applicable
Not applicable
Important
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Not applicable
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Moderate
Denial of Service
Important
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Not applicable
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Moderate
Denial of Service
Important
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*
Not applicable
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Moderate
Denial of Service
Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*
Not applicable
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Moderate
Denial of Service
Important
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Not applicable
Important
Elevation of Privilege
Moderate
Denial of Service
Important
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moderate
Denial of Service
Moderate
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moderate
Denial of Service
Moderate
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems*
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moderate
Denial of Service
Moderate
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems[1]
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moderate
Denial of Service
Moderate
*Server Core installation affected. This update applies, with the same severity rating, to supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, whether or not installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Windows Kernel Data Initialization Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1888
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel due to the way the kernel deals with specific thread creation attempts. 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-2010-1888.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Data Initialization Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1888
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 Data Initialization Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1888
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Kernel Data Initialization Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1888
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?
This vulnerability is caused by a race condition when creating specific types of threads.
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 an 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 introducing additional runtime validation to the thread creation mechanism.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
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 when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1889
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the Windows Kernel due to the way the kernel initializes objects while handling certain errors. 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-2010-1889.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1889
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 Double Free Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1889
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1889
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?
Windows kernel does not initialize objects properly while handling certain errors.
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 an 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 initializes objects properly while handling certain errors.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
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 when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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Windows Kernel Improper Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1890
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the way that the Windows kernel validates access control lists on kernel objects. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by running a specially crafted application causing the system to become unresponsive and automatically restart.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2010-1890.
Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel Improper Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1890
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 Improper Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1890
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
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FAQ for Windows Kernel Improper Validation Vulnerability - CVE-2010-1890
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability. An attacker who exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to stop responding and automatically restart. Note that the denial of service vulnerability would not allow an attacker to run code or to elevate the attacker's user rights, but it could cause the affected system to stop accepting requests.
What causes the vulnerability?
The Windows kernel does not properly validate access control lists on 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 cause the affected system to stop responding.
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 cause the system to stop responding.
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 manner in which the Windows kernel validates access control lists applied to kernel objects.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
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 when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
•
Tavis Ormandy of Google Inc. for reporting the Windows Kernel Data Initialization Vulnerability (CVE-2010-1888)
•
Tavis Ormandy of Google Inc. for reporting the Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability (CVE-2010-1889)
•
Tavis Ormandy of Google Inc. for reporting the Windows Kernel Improper Validation Vulnerability (CVE-2010-1890)
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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 (August 10, 2010): Bulletin published.
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