CVE-2008-4036 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Memory Manager in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application that triggers an erroneous decrement of a variable, related to validation of parameters for Virtual Address Descriptors (VADs) and a "memory allocation mapping error," aka "Virtual Address Descriptor Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4036 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Windows Memory Manager component that affects multiple operating system versions including Windows xp service pack 2 and 3 server 2003 service pack 1 and 2 vista gold and service pack 1 and server 2008. This flaw exists in the handling of virtual address descriptors which are fundamental data structures used by the windows kernel to manage memory allocation and mapping operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a crafted application attempts to manipulate memory allocation parameters, causing an erroneous decrement operation on a critical variable within the virtual address descriptor validation process. This integer overflow creates a condition where the memory manager fails to properly validate parameter boundaries for virtual address descriptors leading to a memory allocation mapping error that can be exploited by local attackers to escalate privileges from user level to system level access. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-190 integer overflow or wraparound which is a well-known weakness in software security that occurs when an integer value exceeds its maximum representable value and wraps around to a much smaller value. The attack vector requires local execution as the vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely and requires an attacker to already have user-level access to the target system. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as successful exploitation allows a local attacker to gain system-level privileges, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the highest level of system permissions. This elevation of privilege can lead to complete system compromise where attackers can install malicious software, modify system files, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the memory management subsystem's ability to properly validate and handle virtual address descriptor parameters, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that bypasses normal security boundaries. From an attack perspective this vulnerability aligns with the attack technique of privilege escalation as outlined in the attack tree methodology where local users can leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated system privileges. The memory manager's handling of virtual address descriptors becomes compromised when the integer overflow occurs during parameter validation, specifically when decrementing a variable that controls memory mapping operations. This creates an exploitable condition where the system's memory allocation mechanisms can be manipulated to map memory regions incorrectly, potentially allowing execution of code in privileged memory spaces. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper input validation in kernel-level components can create significant security weaknesses that are particularly dangerous in operating systems where memory management is critical for system stability and security isolation. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that corrected the integer overflow condition in the memory manager's virtual address descriptor handling code, requiring system administrators to apply these patches to protect against exploitation. The remediation process involves updating the operating system to versions that contain the patched memory manager component, ensuring that the integer overflow condition is resolved and that virtual address descriptor validation operates correctly. Organizations should prioritize deployment of these security updates as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and security when exploited by malicious actors with local access. The flaw highlights the importance of proper integer overflow protection in kernel-level code and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation errors can create severe privilege escalation opportunities in operating system security models.