CVE-2008-1456 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Array index vulnerability in the Event System in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted event subscription request that is used to access an array of function pointers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overread condition within Microsoft Windows Event System components that affects multiple operating system versions including windows 2000 sp4 xp sp2 and sp3 server 2003 sp1 and sp2 vista gold and sp1 as well as server 2008. The flaw exists in how the event system processes subscription requests and handles function pointer arrays during event handling operations. The vulnerability is classified as an array index error that falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-129 improper validation of array indices. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious event subscription requests that trigger an out of bounds memory access when the system attempts to access an array of function pointers.
The technical exploitation occurs when a remote authenticated user sends a specially crafted event subscription request that causes the event system to access memory beyond the allocated array boundaries. This memory access violation results in a buffer overread condition where the system attempts to read or execute code from memory locations that are not properly validated or protected. The vulnerability specifically targets the function pointer array within the event subscription processing logic, which is commonly used in windows event handling mechanisms and follows patterns consistent with the attack technique described in the attack tree framework. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution because the overread operation can be manipulated to redirect execution flow to malicious code locations within the process memory space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote authenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on vulnerable systems. This means that an attacker who has valid credentials to access the event system can potentially escalate privileges and execute malicious code with the privileges of the target system. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where windows event logging and subscription services are actively used, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure and security monitoring systems. The exploitability is enhanced because the vulnerability requires only authentication credentials rather than privileged access, and the attack can be performed remotely over network connections that are typically used for legitimate event system communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the microsoft security bulletin ms08-034 which provides patches for all affected windows versions. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to event subscription services and restrict authentication access to only authorized users. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting user accounts that have permission to create event subscriptions and by monitoring event system access patterns for suspicious activities. Additionally implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for unusual event subscription requests can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary event system services when not required and regularly audit event subscription configurations to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in system components that handle external data processing, aligning with the security principles outlined in the mitre attack framework for privilege escalation techniques.