CVE-2010-0237 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 and XP SP2 and SP3 allows local users to gain privileges by creating a symbolic link from an untrusted registry hive to a trusted registry hive, aka "Windows Kernel Symbolic Link Creation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2021
The Windows kernel symbolic link creation vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0237 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 and Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of symbolic link creation within the kernel security subsystem, specifically when processing registry hive operations. The flaw enables local attackers to manipulate the registry structure by creating symbolic links between untrusted and trusted registry hives, potentially allowing them to elevate their privileges from standard user level to SYSTEM level access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-171, which addresses improper handling of symbolic links in kernel mode operations. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might have limited privileges but can execute code on target systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Windows kernel's registry handling mechanisms, where the system fails to properly validate the legitimacy of symbolic link targets during hive operations. When a malicious user creates a symbolic link from an untrusted registry hive to a trusted one, the kernel's access control mechanisms become bypassed, allowing unauthorized modification of critical system registry keys. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of the Windows operating system's privilege separation model, where trusted system components should not be accessible through untrusted user-controlled symbolic links. The vulnerability specifically affects the kernel's registry hive management functions, which are critical for system configuration and security policy enforcement. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify registry entries that control system behavior, potentially leading to persistent backdoor installation or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0237 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of Windows kernel security mechanisms. Once successfully exploited, attackers can achieve SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling them to bypass all standard Windows security controls including user access control, file permissions, and registry protection. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, making it extremely difficult to detect through conventional security monitoring tools. The attack can be executed through legitimate Windows API calls, making it appear as normal system activity to security software. Organizations running affected Windows versions face significant risk of complete system compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to modify critical system components including security policies, authentication mechanisms, and system service configurations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in enterprise environments where local account access might be more prevalent than expected.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0237 primarily focus on applying Microsoft security patches and implementing operational security controls. The most effective solution involves installing the security update released by Microsoft as part of their regular patch management cycle, which addresses the kernel-level symbolic link handling flaw. Organizations should also implement strict access controls limiting local user privileges, particularly on systems running affected Windows versions. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual registry modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, making user education and privilege management crucial defensive measures. Security teams should monitor for registry hive operations and symbolic link creation activities through Windows event logging and security monitoring tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under T1068, where attackers leverage kernel-level flaws to gain elevated privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles and regularly audit local user accounts to minimize potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of kernel security model integrity and highlights the need for comprehensive patch management programs to address low-level system vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.