CVE-2008-2250 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 does not properly validate window properties sent from a parent window to a child window during creation of a new window, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Window Creation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2250 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Windows kernel operating system family. This issue affects multiple versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of window properties during the window creation process, specifically when a parent window communicates with a child window during its initialization. This flaw allows local attackers with standard user privileges to potentially elevate their privileges to system level access through carefully crafted applications that exploit this weakness.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the kernel's insufficient validation mechanisms when processing window creation parameters. During the window creation process, parent windows send various properties and parameters to child windows, including structural and security attributes. The Windows kernel fails to properly validate these parameters, allowing malicious applications to inject malformed or unauthorized property values that can manipulate the window creation process. This improper validation creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where local users can manipulate the kernel's window management functions to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the window creation API functions that handle inter-process communication between parent and child windows, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the core operating system kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running affected Windows versions, as it provides a local privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by malicious software or attackers with limited user access. Once successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain SYSTEM-level privileges, which provides complete control over the affected system. This means that attackers can install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistence within the compromised environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond running a malicious application, and the attack can be executed locally on the target system without requiring network connectivity. The exploitation typically involves crafting a malicious application that creates windows with specially crafted properties, which when processed by the vulnerable kernel, result in privilege escalation.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches released for this vulnerability, which address the window property validation issue in the kernel. System administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that user accounts have minimal necessary permissions and that administrative privileges are only granted when required. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable operating systems. The mitigation strategy should also include user education about the risks of running untrusted applications and maintaining up-to-date security software. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in the protection of memory, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent the execution of unauthorized applications that could exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should prioritize patching all affected systems immediately, as this vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild and represents a significant risk to system security.