CVE-2007-0211 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The hardware detection functionality in the Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Professional, and Server 2003 SP1 allows local users to gain privileges via an unvalidated parameter to a function related to the "detection and registration of new hardware."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0211 resides within the Windows Shell component of Microsoft Windows operating systems, specifically affecting Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. This issue stems from insufficient validation of parameters within the hardware detection and registration functionality, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The flaw operates through the shell's handling of hardware detection processes, where unvalidated input parameters can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Windows Shell's interaction with hardware detection mechanisms that occur during system operation. When the system attempts to detect and register new hardware devices, it processes parameters through functions that fail to properly validate input data. This validation gap allows malicious local users to craft specific parameter values that trigger unintended behavior within the system's hardware detection routines. The vulnerability specifically affects the shell's ability to safely process hardware-related function calls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that bypasses normal access controls and security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to systems running affected Windows versions as it enables local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative privileges. The attack requires local system access but does not need network connectivity or external exploitation vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share systems or where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially allow full system compromise, as elevated privileges provide access to critical system resources, registry keys, and security policies that control system behavior.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation in software systems, and represents a classic example of how insufficient parameter validation can lead to privilege escalation attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques using software vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the Windows operating system shell component. The attack chain typically involves a local user executing malicious code that exploits the unvalidated parameter handling to gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to persistent access and further system compromise. Organizations should implement the standard mitigation strategies including applying security patches, enforcing least privilege access controls, and monitoring for suspicious system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that improved parameter validation within the Windows Shell hardware detection functionality. The resolution involved strengthening input validation mechanisms to ensure that all parameters passed to hardware detection functions are properly validated before processing. System administrators should ensure that all Windows systems are updated with the latest security patches, particularly those addressing shell and hardware detection components. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation attacks, while regular security monitoring can detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in system security and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of all system components that handle external or user-provided data inputs.