CVE-2010-4669 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The Neighbor Discovery (ND) protocol implementation in the IPv6 stack in Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption and system hang) by sending many Router Advertisement (RA) messages with different source addresses, as demonstrated by the flood_router6 program in the thc-ipv6 package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4669 represents a critical flaw in the IPv6 Neighbor Discovery protocol implementation within Microsoft Windows operating systems spanning from Windows XP through Windows 7 and their respective server editions. This weakness specifically affects the Router Advertisement message processing mechanism that forms part of the IPv6 networking stack's core functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and handling of Router Advertisement messages, creating a condition where the system becomes overwhelmed by malformed or excessively frequent network communications. The flaw manifests when the system receives numerous Router Advertisement messages originating from different source addresses, leading to resource exhaustion and system instability. This particular implementation issue allows attackers to exploit the protocol's design without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where IPv6 traffic flows are common.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental design of the IPv6 Neighbor Discovery protocol, specifically targeting the Router Advertisement message processing within the Windows IPv6 stack. When multiple Router Advertisement messages are sent with varying source addresses, the system's processing mechanisms become overwhelmed as they attempt to validate and store information about each advertisement. This creates a resource consumption scenario where CPU cycles are consumed excessively while system memory and processing resources become saturated. The flood_router6 program from the thc-ipv6 package demonstrates this attack vector effectively by generating rapid sequences of Router Advertisement messages with spoofed source addresses, causing the target system to continuously process these packets without proper rate limiting or source address validation. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional application-level security measures. This flaw directly relates to CWE-400, which describes "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" in software systems, and specifically targets the IPv6 protocol implementation within Microsoft's networking stack.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4669 extends beyond simple system performance degradation to encompass complete system unavailability and operational disruption. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability causes sustained CPU utilization near 100% and can lead to complete system hangs or crashes, effectively rendering the affected machine unusable for legitimate network operations. This denial of service condition impacts not only individual systems but can also affect broader network infrastructure, particularly in environments where multiple devices are simultaneously vulnerable to the same attack vector. The attack can be executed from remote locations without requiring physical access or network credentials, making it a significant threat to network availability. Organizations relying on IPv6 connectivity for critical operations face substantial risk of operational disruption, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of Windows that were widely deployed in enterprise environments. The impact is particularly severe in mission-critical systems where continuous availability is required, as the attack can be sustained indefinitely until the system is manually rebooted or the network traffic is filtered.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4669 require a multi-layered approach combining network-level filtering, system-level updates, and operational procedures. The primary recommended solution involves applying Microsoft security patches and updates that address the specific Neighbor Discovery protocol implementation flaw in the affected Windows versions. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as rate limiting and source address validation to prevent excessive Router Advertisement messages from reaching vulnerable systems. Firewalls and network access control lists can be configured to filter or drop Router Advertisement messages from unauthorized sources or those exceeding normal traffic thresholds. Network segmentation strategies can help isolate vulnerable systems from potentially hostile network segments. Organizations should consider disabling IPv6 functionality on systems that do not require it, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual Router Advertisement traffic patterns can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which focuses on network denial of service attacks, and emphasizes the importance of network traffic filtering and system patch management as primary defense mechanisms. Regular network monitoring and security assessments should be conducted to ensure that the implemented controls remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.