CVE-2001-0349 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows 2000 telnet service creates named pipes with predictable names and does not properly verify them, which allows local users to execute arbitrary commands by creating a named pipe with the predictable name and associating a malicious program with it, the first of two variants of this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0349 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Windows 2000 telnet service that stems from improper handling of named pipe creation and verification processes. This issue specifically affects the telnet service implementation on Windows 2000 systems where the service creates named pipes using predictable naming conventions that can be easily anticipated by local attackers. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in privilege separation and resource management within the Windows kernel services.
The technical flaw manifests when the telnet service creates named pipes with predetermined names that follow a consistent pattern, making them easily guessable by local users. This predictable naming scheme allows attackers to create their own named pipes with identical names before the legitimate telnet service attempts to use them. The service does not properly validate or verify the integrity of these named pipes, creating a race condition where malicious programs can be associated with the predictable pipe names. This design flaw enables local privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution through a simple but effective attack vector that exploits the lack of proper pipe verification mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with the ability to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed by any local user with basic system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is expected. The vulnerability affects the core telnet service functionality and demonstrates poor security practices in Windows 2000's service implementation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, specifically focusing on inadequate verification of named resources. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local service manipulation. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the manipulated named pipe mechanism. Microsoft addressed this issue through service updates and patches that implemented proper named pipe verification and randomization of pipe names to prevent predictable naming patterns.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing immediate service patches and updates from Microsoft, disabling unnecessary telnet services on Windows 2000 systems, and implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable telnet services and ensure that all Windows 2000 systems are updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious named pipe creation activities and establishing proper privilege separation mechanisms can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper resource verification and the dangers of predictable naming schemes in security-critical system components.