CVE-2000-0155 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows NT Autorun executes the autorun.inf file on non-removable media, which allows local attackers to specify an alternate program to execute when other users access a drive.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0155 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows NT operating systems that specifically affects the autorun functionality implemented for non-removable media devices. This vulnerability exists within the Windows NT autorun mechanism that automatically executes programs when media is inserted into a drive, creating a potential attack vector for local adversaries who seek to gain unauthorized execution privileges on target systems. The flaw particularly impacts removable storage devices such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and other optical media that are mounted as non-removable drives within the Windows NT environment, where the system's autorun.inf file processing behavior creates an exploitable condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how Windows NT processes autorun.inf files when media is inserted into non-removable drives, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow by crafting malicious autorun.inf files that specify alternative programs to execute. This behavior violates the principle of least privilege and creates an opportunity for privilege escalation or unauthorized code execution within the local system context. The flaw operates at the operating system level where the autorun functionality does not properly validate or sanitize the commands specified in autorun.inf files, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary executables that will run automatically when users access the affected drive. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within the Windows NT kernel components responsible for media insertion events.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to target systems through legitimate autorun mechanisms. Local attackers who have physical access to a Windows NT system can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malicious software that executes automatically whenever users access specific drives, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further attack propagation within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share systems or where administrators do not properly monitor or control media insertion activities. This flaw can be exploited to create backdoors, install rootkits, or execute other malicious payloads that persist across system reboots, as the autorun functionality typically executes with the privileges of the user who accesses the drive.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on disabling autorun functionality entirely or implementing strict controls over autorun.inf file processing within Windows NT systems. Organizations should consider disabling autorun for all removable media types through registry modifications or group policy configurations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions that detect unauthorized autorun.inf file modifications and enforce strict access controls on system directories where autorun files are processed. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-20 categories related to improper input validation and code injection, and represents a technique that could be mapped to ATT&CK tactics such as privilege escalation and persistence through autorun execution mechanisms. Security configurations should also include regular audits of autorun settings and user access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to system execution paths.