CVE-1999-1364 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows NT 4.0 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via an illegal kernel mode address to the functions (1) GetThreadContext or (2) SetThreadContext.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2024
This vulnerability exists in Windows nt 40 operating system where local users can exploit a flaw in kernel mode function handling to cause system crashes. The issue specifically affects the GetThreadContext and SetThreadContext API functions which are used to retrieve and modify thread execution context information within the operating system kernel. When these functions receive an invalid or illegal kernel mode address as input parameter, the system fails to properly validate the memory access and subsequently crashes the entire operating system. This represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized local users to disrupt system operations without requiring elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel level functions that handle thread context operations. According to the common weakness enumeration framework CWE-125, this corresponds to an out-of-bounds read condition where the system attempts to access memory locations outside the valid address range. The vulnerability manifests when the operating system kernel does not properly validate the memory addresses provided to GetThreadContext or SetThreadContext functions, allowing malicious or malformed inputs to trigger memory access violations. This type of flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and memory management errors that are particularly dangerous in kernel mode contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to cause complete system crashes and denial of service conditions. Since the exploit operates at kernel level, it bypasses user mode protections and can bring down the entire operating system. This makes it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access could be gained through various means including legitimate user accounts. The vulnerability affects Windows nt 40 systems specifically, which were widely deployed in enterprise environments during the late 1990s and early 2000s, making this a historically significant security flaw that could have led to substantial business disruption. The exploit requires only local access and does not need network connectivity, making it easy to execute against vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the appropriate microsoft security patches and updates that address the kernel mode validation issues in the affected functions. System administrators should ensure that all windows nt 40 systems are updated with the latest security patches released by microsoft. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and limiting local user privileges can reduce the attack surface. From an operational security perspective, monitoring for unusual system crashes or process termination events can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of kernel mode security testing and input validation procedures. Organizations should consider migrating away from unsupported operating systems like windows nt 40 to more modern and secure platforms that have better memory management and validation mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust kernel level security controls and proper memory access validation to prevent local privilege escalation and system stability issues. The exploit represents a classic example of how kernel mode vulnerabilities can be leveraged to cause complete system compromise without requiring external network access or elevated privileges.