CVE-2002-2283 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows XP with Fast User Switching (FUS) enabled does not remove the "show processes from all users" privilege when the user is removed from the administrator group, which allows that user to view prosesses of other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows xp systems that have fast user switching functionality enabled. The flaw represents a privilege escalation issue that occurs when administrative privileges are revoked from a user account while that user remains logged into the system. The core technical problem lies in the improper handling of process visibility permissions within the windows operating system kernel. When a user is removed from the administrator group, the system fails to properly revoke the "show processes from all users" privilege, creating a persistent security gap that allows the former administrator to continue accessing process information belonging to other users on the system.
The vulnerability stems from a design flaw in the windows security model where process visibility permissions are not properly synchronized with user group membership changes. This issue specifically affects systems with fast user switching enabled, which allows multiple users to log into the same computer without requiring separate physical access or rebooting. The flaw operates at the kernel level where process management and privilege checking mechanisms fail to properly invalidate cached permissions when user group memberships change. This creates a scenario where a user who previously had administrative rights can continue to view processes belonging to other users even after their administrative privileges have been revoked.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows for unauthorized process monitoring and potential information disclosure. An attacker who gains access to a system with this vulnerability can monitor activities of other users, potentially discovering sensitive information such as running applications, system processes, or even detecting when other users are accessing specific files or services. This capability can be leveraged for reconnaissance purposes, allowing for more targeted attacks against other users on the system. The vulnerability also creates potential for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker can gather intelligence about running processes to identify system weaknesses or potential targets for further exploitation. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to cwe-284 which describes improper access control, and the attack pattern taxonomy would classify this under privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate system hardening and administrative procedures. Organizations should disable fast user switching functionality on systems where this vulnerability is present, particularly in environments where administrative privileges are frequently granted and revoked. System administrators should implement regular monitoring of user group membership changes and ensure that proper privilege revocation procedures are followed. The recommended remediation includes updating to patched versions of windows xp or applying the appropriate microsoft security updates that address this specific privilege handling issue. Additionally, implementing proper access control policies and regularly auditing user permissions can help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Security professionals should also consider deploying process monitoring tools that can detect unauthorized process access attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of user activities on affected systems.