CVE-2010-0812 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2 allow remote attackers to bypass intended IPv4 source-address restrictions via a mismatched IPv6 source address in a tunneled ISATAP packet, aka "ISATAP IPv6 Source Address Spoofing Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The CVE-2010-0812 vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in Microsoft Windows operating systems that affects versions including Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1 and SP2, and Server 2008 Gold and SP2. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of IPv6 packets within the Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) framework, particularly when ISATAP (Intranet Stateful Address Auto-Tunneling) tunneling is employed. The flaw stems from an improper validation mechanism that fails to correctly verify source address information in tunneled IPv6 packets, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent network security controls designed to restrict IPv4 traffic based on source addresses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the IPv6 processing stack of affected Microsoft operating systems, where ISATAP tunneling mechanisms are utilized to facilitate IPv6 connectivity over IPv4 networks. When an attacker crafts a specially malformed ISATAP packet containing a mismatched IPv6 source address, the system's packet validation logic fails to properly authenticate or validate the source address information. This misconfiguration allows the system to accept packets that appear to originate from trusted IPv6 addresses while actually being generated from unauthorized IPv4 addresses, effectively bypassing the intended source address restrictions. The vulnerability specifically exploits the interaction between IPv6 tunneling protocols and IPv4 access control mechanisms, creating a scenario where the security boundaries established by IPv4 source filtering are rendered ineffective.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to perform source address spoofing attacks that could potentially lead to unauthorized network access and privilege escalation. The attack vector requires minimal local access or network proximity to execute, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have limited initial access to the network. Security administrators who rely on IPv4 source address filtering as a primary defense mechanism may find their protection measures completely undermined, as attackers can craft packets that appear to originate from legitimate internal IPv6 addresses. This capability significantly weakens network segmentation strategies and can enable lateral movement within corporate networks, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive systems and data that would normally be protected by traditional IPv4-based access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0812 should focus on implementing comprehensive network security measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader IPv6 security concerns. Microsoft released security patches that corrected the IPv6 packet validation logic in affected operating systems, which should be deployed immediately across all vulnerable systems. Network administrators should also implement additional layers of protection including IPv6-aware firewall rules, enhanced monitoring of tunneling traffic, and the deployment of network access control solutions that can detect and prevent anomalous IPv6 packet patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it involves manipulating network protocols to bypass security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing IPv6 security best practices including proper network segmentation, monitoring for tunneling activity, and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar protocol implementation flaws that could compromise network security.