CVE-2010-0484 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Windows kernel-mode drivers in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 "do not properly validate changes in certain kernel objects," which allows local users to execute arbitrary code via vectors related to Device Contexts (DC) and the GetDCEx function, aka "Win32k Improper Data Validation Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0484 represents a critical flaw in the Windows kernel-mode driver component known as win32k.sys which forms the foundation of the Windows graphical subsystem. This weakness exists across multiple Windows operating systems including Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista SP1 and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2, making it one of the most widespread kernel-level vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows history. The flaw stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the kernel-mode drivers that govern device context management and graphical operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can ultimately result in complete system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of kernel objects when handling Device Context (DC) operations, specifically through the GetDCEx function which is used to retrieve device contexts for graphical operations. The win32k.sys driver fails to properly validate changes to certain kernel objects that control graphical rendering and device context management, allowing malicious code to manipulate these objects in ways that bypass normal security checks. This validation failure creates a condition where local users can exploit the system by crafting specific inputs that manipulate the device context structures, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a buffer overflow in kernel-mode code, though it more specifically represents improper validation of kernel object states.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0484 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides local attackers with a pathway to escalate privileges from user-level to kernel-level execution without requiring any special authentication or network access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may have legitimate access to systems but should not possess administrative privileges. The attack vector requires local system access, which means that an attacker who has already compromised a user account or gained physical access to a system can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over the machine. Once exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially leading to data theft, system corruption, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Privilege Escalation technique category, specifically utilizing the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Microsoft security patches, which were released as part of the regular security update cycle following the disclosure of this flaw. System administrators should ensure that all affected Windows systems are updated with the appropriate security fixes, particularly focusing on the win32k.sys driver components. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles to limit user access rights, disabling unnecessary graphical services where possible, and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to prevent lateral movement once a system is compromised. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy systems that may not receive ongoing support from vendors. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability and its widespread impact across multiple Windows versions, it serves as a prime example of why regular security maintenance and vulnerability management programs are essential for protecting enterprise environments from known exploits.