CVE-2002-2132 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Windows File Protection (WFP) in Windows 2000 and XP does not remove old security catalog .CAT files, which could allow local users to replace new files with vulnerable old files that have valid hash codes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2021
Windows File Protection WFP in Windows 2000 and XP contains a critical flaw in its catalog file management system that creates a persistent security vulnerability. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of security catalog files with the .CAT extension during file replacement operations. When Windows updates system files, it should properly clean up obsolete catalog files that reference older versions of those files. However, WFP fails to remove these outdated catalog files, leaving them accessible to local attackers who can exploit this oversight to maintain access to vulnerable system components.
This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the Windows file verification system itself. The flaw is categorized under CWE-264 as a permissions, privileges, and access control weakness, specifically manifesting as inadequate file permissions management. Attackers can manipulate the system by placing older .CAT files in strategic locations, effectively bypassing the integrity checks that should prevent installation of compromised files. The system continues to recognize these outdated catalog entries as valid, allowing malicious actors to replace current system files with older vulnerable versions that maintain the same hash codes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, creating a persistent backdoor that can be maintained across system reboots. Local users with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to maintain access to compromised system components, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability affects the core Windows security architecture by undermining the integrity verification mechanisms designed to protect against unauthorized file modifications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system integrity is paramount.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Microsoft released updates to address this specific vulnerability in subsequent service packs. System administrators must implement comprehensive file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized catalog file modifications and maintain strict access controls on system directories. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves local privilege escalation through system binary modification, while also demonstrating characteristics of T1547 related to registry run keys and persistence mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing file system auditing to monitor access to critical catalog files and ensure that no unauthorized modifications occur during normal system operations.