CVE-2008-2252 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 parameters sent from user mode to the kernel, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Memory Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-mode memory corruption flaw that affects multiple versions of the windows operating system including windows 2000 service pack 4 xp service packs 2 and 3 server 2003 service packs 1 and 2 vista gold and service pack 1 and server 2008. the vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the kernel subsystem where user-mode applications can pass malformed or malicious parameters that the kernel fails to properly sanitize before processing. this fundamental flaw in input validation creates an exploitable condition that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access.
the technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the kernel's failure to validate input parameters during system calls or device driver interactions that occur between user mode applications and kernel mode components. when a malicious application sends crafted parameters to kernel functions, the kernel processes these inputs without adequate bounds checking or validation, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. this type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-129 input validation and the attack technique aligns with the mitre att&ck framework under privilege escalation tactics.
the operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides local attackers with the ability to achieve system-level compromise without requiring external network access or complex exploitation techniques. once an attacker gains initial access to a system, they can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected machine. the widespread prevalence of affected operating systems means that organizations running these legacy platforms face significant risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where numerous systems may be running vulnerable versions of windows. the vulnerability particularly affects systems where users have the ability to execute applications, as the exploit requires local execution rather than remote access.
mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of microsoft security patches and updates that address the kernel parameter validation flaws. organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. additionally implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges can reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. system administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel behavior or suspicious parameter usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. the vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in kernel-mode code and highlights the necessity of robust security practices in operating system development and maintenance.