CVE-2001-1288 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows 2000 and Windows NT allows local users to cause a denial of service (reboot) by executing a command at the command prompt and pressing the F7 and enter keys several times while the command is executing, possibly related to an exception handling error in csrss.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
This vulnerability resides in the core Windows operating system architecture where the command shell functionality interacts with the Windows subsystem for console services. The flaw manifests when local users exploit a specific sequence of keyboard inputs combined with command execution, creating a condition that triggers an exception handling error within the csrss.exe process. This process is responsible for hosting console windows and managing console input/output operations, making it a critical component in the Windows console subsystem. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow or exception handling weakness that can be triggered through user interaction rather than malicious code execution, representing a significant security concern for systems running Windows 2000 and Windows NT.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the precise timing and combination of keyboard inputs during command execution. When users press F7 followed by Enter multiple times while a command is processing, the system's console handling mechanism becomes overwhelmed with exception conditions. The csrss.exe process, which manages the console subsystem, fails to properly handle these repeated exception events, leading to system instability and ultimately forcing an automatic reboot. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper handling of exceptional conditions, and demonstrates how console input processing can be manipulated to cause system-wide failures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for system compromise through a technique that could be used to disrupt critical services or applications running on affected systems. Attackers could leverage this flaw to repeatedly reboot systems, potentially causing data loss, service interruptions, and operational disruption. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the command prompt could potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where unauthorized users might gain access to legitimate accounts. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, though in this case the attack is local rather than network-based.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on system hardening and input validation measures. Microsoft released patches for this vulnerability through their regular update cycle, but organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual reboot patterns and ensure that command shell access is properly controlled. System administrators should consider implementing access controls that limit command shell usage to authorized personnel only, while also maintaining regular system updates and applying security patches promptly. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper exception handling in system components, particularly those that manage user input and console operations. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Windows environments to identify similar flaws in other system components that might be susceptible to similar manipulation techniques, ensuring comprehensive protection against both known and emerging threats.