CVE-2010-0233 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in the kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Double Free Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The CVE-2010-0233 vulnerability represents a critical double free condition within the Windows kernel operating system, specifically affecting multiple versions including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, as well as Server 2008 Gold and SP2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-435 weakness category, which describes the improper interaction between mutually exclusive operations on the same resource, specifically manifesting as a double free error. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management within kernel mode components that handle certain system calls and object allocations, creating a scenario where memory allocated to a kernel object can be freed twice, leading to memory corruption that adversaries can exploit.
The technical flaw occurs when a malicious application triggers a specific sequence of operations that causes the kernel to attempt to free the same memory block twice. This double free condition creates a predictable memory layout where the freed memory can be reallocated and manipulated by an attacker. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within kernel mode, where the application has the highest privileges and can directly manipulate system resources. When the double free occurs, it can result in a corrupted kernel heap, which provides attackers with the opportunity to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The attack vector requires local execution since the vulnerability is a kernel-level memory corruption issue that cannot be exploited remotely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities. A successful exploitation of CVE-2010-0233 allows local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user to system administrator level, providing complete control over the affected system. This privilege escalation enables attackers to access sensitive system files, modify system configurations, install malware, and potentially establish persistence within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's presence across multiple Windows versions makes it particularly dangerous as it affects a broad range of systems that were commonly deployed in enterprise environments during that time period, creating widespread potential for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0233 primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that addressed the double free condition by correcting the memory management logic within the kernel components. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches as soon as possible, particularly the Windows Update patches released in March 2010. Additionally, system administrators should implement privilege separation controls, disable unnecessary services, and employ application whitelisting to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in kernel code and highlights the need for thorough security testing of system components, particularly those handling memory allocation and deallocation operations. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar memory corruption issues in other system components, as such vulnerabilities continue to represent a significant threat vector in operating system security.