CVE-2009-0232 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the Embedded OpenType (EOT) Font Engine in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted name table, aka "Embedded OpenType Font Integer Overflow Vulnerability."
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The CVE-2009-0232 vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Microsoft Windows' Embedded OpenType font engine implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system including Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Vista versions including Gold and Service Pack 1 and 2, and Windows Server 2008 versions including Gold and Service Pack 2. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of font data structures, particularly within the name table component of EOT font files. According to CWE-190, this vulnerability falls under integer overflow conditions where an attacker can manipulate the font engine to process maliciously crafted integer values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type, leading to unexpected behavior and potential code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious EOT font file containing a specially crafted name table is processed by the Windows font engine. The integer overflow manifests during the parsing of font metadata, where the application fails to properly validate the size parameters of font table entries. When the font engine attempts to allocate memory or process data structures based on these malformed integer values, it can result in buffer overflows or memory corruption that attackers can leverage to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as attackers can use this flaw to gain elevated system access. The flaw is particularly dangerous because font files are commonly encountered in legitimate system operations, making exploitation more likely through social engineering or automated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0232 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise across multiple Windows platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including web browsers, email clients, and document viewers that process font files. The vulnerability's broad target scope means that organizations running any of the affected Windows versions are at risk, regardless of their security posture. The attack surface is particularly large given that font processing occurs in numerous applications and contexts, from web browsing to document rendering. System administrators must understand that this vulnerability can be exploited through both direct attacks on vulnerable applications and indirect methods such as malicious websites or email attachments containing compromised font files. The integer overflow creates a predictable pattern of memory corruption that can be reliably exploited, making it a preferred target for malware authors and advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0232 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security releases. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as firewall rules that block suspicious font file downloads and restrict font processing in web browsers and email clients. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary font processing capabilities and implementing strict application whitelisting can reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual font processing activities and memory allocation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent malicious font file execution, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow protection in system components that process untrusted data, reinforcing the need for comprehensive software security practices and regular vulnerability assessments.