CVE-2005-0060 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the font processing component of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP SP1 and SP2, and Windows Server 2003 allows local users to gain privileges via a specially-designed application.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0060 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the font processing subsystem of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability affects Windows 2000, Windows XP Service Pack 1 and 2, as well as Windows Server 2003, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by local attackers to escalate their privileges. The issue stems from improper bounds checking within the font rendering engine, specifically when processing specially crafted font files that contain malicious data structures designed to overflow allocated memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the font processing phase where Windows applications and system components handle font files through the GDI (Graphics Device Interface) subsystem. When a malicious font file is processed, the buffer overflow occurs in the memory allocation routines that handle font data structures, particularly affecting the handling of font table entries and metadata. This flaw falls under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue since it requires local system access to exploit, typically through a malicious application that triggers the vulnerable font processing code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a potential attack vector for malicious actors who already have user-level access to a system. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because font processing occurs frequently during normal system operations, including when users open documents, view web pages, or interact with applications that display text. The vulnerability can be triggered through various legitimate font formats such as TrueType and OpenType files, making it difficult to detect and prevent through simple file type filtering approaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0060 should focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates for all affected Windows versions, including Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2, and Windows Server 2003 SP1, which address the buffer overflow through improved bounds checking in font processing routines. Organizations should implement the appropriate security patches as soon as possible, following Microsoft's security advisory recommendations. Additional protective measures include restricting local user access to font directories, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for unusual font processing activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1547.001, 'Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder', as attackers may attempt to establish persistence through modified font files or registry entries that trigger the vulnerable code path. Network segmentation and user access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous font processing behavior that could indicate an active attack.