CVE-2006-1314 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Server Service (SRV.SYS driver) in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP1 and SP2, Server 2003 up to SP1, and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted first-class Mailslot messages that triggers memory corruption and bypasses size restrictions on second-class Mailslot messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1314 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Server Service component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw exists in the SRV.SYS driver which handles mailslot communication, a mechanism used for inter-process communication in Windows networks. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows products including Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Packs 1 and 2, Windows Server 2003 up to Service Pack 1, and potentially other affected systems. The flaw specifically targets the handling of first-class mailslot messages, which are designed to be more reliable and structured compared to their second-class counterparts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental flaw in memory management within the Server Service. When processing crafted first-class mailslot messages, the system fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into heap-allocated buffers. This oversight allows attackers to overflow the intended buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it an ideal candidate for automated exploitation. The vulnerability specifically bypasses size restrictions that normally apply to second-class mailslot messages, effectively allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate memory in unexpected ways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across enterprise networks. Remote code execution capabilities mean that attackers can gain complete control over affected systems without requiring any user interaction or authentication. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. The Server Service is typically exposed to network traffic in enterprise environments, making systems running affected versions of Windows highly susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability can be leveraged to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or escalate privileges within the network. Given that Windows 2000 and XP were widely deployed in enterprise environments, this vulnerability created a significant security risk for organizations that had not yet migrated to newer platforms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to remote code execution and privilege escalation. The attack pattern follows the initial access phase where attackers leverage unpatched services to gain system-level access. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected systems, as the window for exploitation was relatively short-lived due to the widespread awareness of the issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict mailslot communication where possible, though this may not be sufficient given the remote nature of the attack vector. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with running legacy operating systems in production environments.
This vulnerability was ultimately addressed through Microsoft security bulletin MS06-015 which provided patches for all affected versions of Windows. The incident highlighted the critical importance of proper input validation in system services and demonstrated how flaws in core operating system components could create widespread security risks. Organizations that failed to patch this vulnerability in a timely manner were left exposed to significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability serves as a historical example of how seemingly minor flaws in system services can have major security implications when combined with remote exploitation capabilities.