CVE-2010-0478 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in nsum.exe in the Windows Media Unicast Service in Media Services for Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted packets associated with transport information, aka "Media Services Stack-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0478 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the nsum.exe component within Microsoft Windows Media Unicast Service. This flaw exists within the Media Services implementation for Windows 2000 Server SP4 and specifically targets the handling of transport information within crafted packets. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the nsum.exe process, which processes multimedia streaming data. When the service receives malformed packets containing transport information, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This particular flaw falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that allows arbitrary code execution through memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the transport layer of the media streaming service, making it accessible to remote attackers who can craft malicious packets to exploit the flaw without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Windows 2000 Server system. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow allows remote code execution with the privileges of the nsum.exe process, which typically runs with elevated permissions within the Windows Media Services environment. This creates a significant attack surface since Windows Media Services is often deployed in enterprise environments where such services may be exposed to external networks. The attack vector involves sending specially crafted packets to the media streaming service, which then processes these packets through the vulnerable nsum.exe component. The flaw is particularly concerning in environments where Windows 2000 Server is still operational, as this platform has reached end-of-life and no longer receives security updates. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system through the media streaming service interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0478 must address both immediate protection and long-term remediation. The most effective immediate solution involves applying Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-015 which contains the necessary patches for Windows 2000 Server SP4. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the Windows Media Services ports, particularly those associated with the unicast streaming functionality. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing network detection and response measures to monitor for suspicious packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, disabling unnecessary media services and implementing proper input validation at network boundaries can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security professionals should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on anomalous media streaming traffic patterns. For environments where patching is not immediately possible, network-based mitigations including packet filtering and rate limiting should be deployed to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow also emphasizes the need for proper software development practices including bounds checking, input validation, and memory safety mechanisms, which aligns with industry standards such as those recommended in the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines and the OWASP Secure Coding Practices. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their Windows Media Services infrastructure and ensure comprehensive monitoring for any exploitation attempts.