CVE-2001-0045 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The default permissions for the RAS Administration key in Windows NT 4.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by changing the value to point to a malicious DLL, aka one of the "Registry Permissions" vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0045 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows NT 4.0 systems that stems from improper registry key permissions. This issue specifically targets the Remote Access Service (RAS) Administration key within the Windows registry, which is designed to manage remote access connections and configurations. The flaw allows local attackers to gain elevated privileges by manipulating registry values, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability falls under the category of registry permission misconfigurations that have been consistently identified as high-risk security issues across multiple operating systems and versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the RAS Administration registry key which typically requires administrative privileges to modify. However, due to default permission settings in Windows NT 4.0, local users can alter the registry value to point to a malicious dynamic link library (DLL) file. When the system subsequently attempts to load the RAS administration component, it executes the attacker-controlled DLL code with elevated privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where a low-privileged user can leverage system configuration flaws to execute arbitrary code with administrative rights. The underlying mechanism operates through the Windows registry's permission model, where default settings fail to properly restrict access to critical system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once executed, the malicious DLL can perform various malicious activities including but not limited to creating backdoors, modifying system files, stealing credentials, or establishing network connections to command and control servers. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network access or special tools beyond basic registry modification capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how default configurations can create significant security gaps that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized system access and control.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for critical resources, and can be mapped to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through registry modification and execution through DLL loading. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including proper registry permission configuration, disabling unnecessary services, and applying security patches. The recommended approach involves setting appropriate access control lists on the RAS Administration registry key to restrict modifications to only authorized administrators. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive registry audits to identify and correct similar permission misconfigurations across other critical system components. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of default settings that may introduce security risks.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth. It demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration oversights can create significant security weaknesses that compromise entire systems. Organizations should implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely updates addressing such registry permission flaws, while also maintaining security awareness about default system configurations. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of how registry-based privilege escalation techniques have been exploited over time, emphasizing the need for continuous security monitoring and proper access control implementation across all system components.