CVE-2011-1971 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The kernel in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 does not properly parse file metadata, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (reboot) via a crafted file, aka "Windows Kernel Metadata Parsing DOS Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1971 represents a critical flaw in the Windows kernel's handling of file metadata parsing operations. This issue affects multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems including Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 variants, as well as Windows 7 Gold and SP1 releases. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the kernel's file system processing components, specifically when encountering malformed or crafted metadata structures within file attributes. This weakness creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to trigger system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the kernel's file metadata parsing process where the system fails to properly validate the structure and content of file attribute data. When a maliciously crafted file containing malformed metadata is processed by the Windows kernel, the parsing routine encounters unexpected data structures that cause the kernel to crash or reboot the system. This behavior manifests as a denial of service condition that results in complete system restart, effectively providing an attacker with a reliable method to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation bypasses user-mode protections and directly impacts the core operating system functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise environments where local access may be obtained through various attack vectors. The local privilege requirement makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited by users who have legitimate access to the system but lack administrative privileges. The denial of service impact extends beyond simple system disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks, including persistent system instability that could be leveraged to mask other malicious activities. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-129, which represents "Improper Validation of Array Index," indicating that the kernel fails to properly validate metadata array bounds during parsing operations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may use local access to execute malicious payloads that exploit this weakness.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1971 primarily involve applying Microsoft security patches and updates that address the kernel metadata parsing flaw. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the relevant Windows updates that correct the validation mechanisms in the kernel's file processing components. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can reduce the attack surface by limiting local access privileges. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual reboot patterns or file system access anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel-level operations and highlights the need for robust defensive measures against local privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.