CVE-2010-0235 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, and Vista Gold does not perform the expected validation before creating a symbolic link, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (reboot) via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Symbolic Link Value Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0235 represents a critical flaw in the Windows kernel's handling of symbolic link creation operations across multiple operating system versions including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, and Vista Gold. This weakness stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the kernel's symbolic link implementation, creating a scenario where malicious applications can exploit the system's trust in certain symbolic link operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses in the validation of input data that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker crafts a malicious application that attempts to create symbolic links with specific parameters that bypass the kernel's validation checks. This flaw allows the attacker to manipulate the kernel's internal state in such a way that the system becomes unstable and eventually crashes, leading to a forced reboot of the affected system. The kernel's failure to properly validate symbolic link values before processing them creates a condition where malformed or specially crafted symbolic link requests can trigger unexpected behavior in the operating system's memory management and process handling mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level, where the system's core functions are managed, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard user-mode security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged to disrupt critical system operations and potentially provide a foothold for further attacks. Local users with limited privileges can exploit this weakness to cause system instability, which may be particularly problematic in enterprise environments where system uptime and reliability are crucial. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions from 2000 through Vista indicates a widespread exposure that affected organizations across different computing environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems without requiring elevated privileges. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 category for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1490 for "Inhibit System Recovery" due to its ability to cause system instability and reboot conditions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches provided by Microsoft, which address the kernel validation issue through proper input sanitization and enhanced symbolic link creation checks. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring to detect unusual symbolic link creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a kernel-level flaw makes it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional perimeter security measures, requiring a more comprehensive approach that includes regular system updates, security configuration hardening, and continuous monitoring of system integrity. Additionally, organizations should review their access controls and privilege management policies to limit the potential impact of local exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability specifically targets local users without requiring network access or special privileges.