CVE-2011-2013 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the TCP/IP implementation in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a sequence of crafted UDP packets to a closed port, aka "Reference Counter Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-2013 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the tcpip.sys kernel driver component of multiple microsoft windows operating systems including vista sp2 server 2008 sp2 r2 and r2 sp1 as well as windows 7 gold and sp1. this vulnerability specifically affects the tcp/ip implementation and manifests as a reference counter overflow that occurs during the processing of network packets. the flaw arises when the system encounters crafted udp packets sent to closed ports, creating conditions where the reference counter variable exceeds its maximum allowable value and wraps around to a smaller value. this integer overflow condition creates a predictable state that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. the vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a significant threat to networked environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the tcpip.sys driver's handling of reference counting mechanisms within its tcp/ip stack. when udp packets are received on closed ports, the driver maintains reference counters to track connection states and resource allocation. the integer overflow occurs in the reference counter logic where the increment operation causes the counter to exceed its maximum value and wrap to zero or a negative value. this overflow creates a scenario where the system's memory management becomes corrupted, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow and inject malicious code. the attack vector requires sending specifically crafted udp packets to closed ports, which may seem limited but can be easily accomplished in networked environments where port scanning and packet crafting are common activities. this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-190 integer overflow or wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic produces results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2013 is severe and affects a wide range of microsoft windows operating systems that were prevalent in enterprise environments during the time of discovery. systems running affected versions of windows vista server 2008 r2 and windows 7 are all at risk, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with legacy systems or those that have not implemented timely security updates. the remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full system control, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access to compromised systems. this vulnerability has been categorized under the attack technique of remote code execution within the mitre att&ck framework, specifically relating to techniques that leverage system vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. the exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it does not require user interaction or authentication, making it suitable for automated attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. organizations with systems exposed to the internet or those running vulnerable versions of windows are particularly at risk, as attackers can easily discover and exploit these systems without requiring physical access or specialized credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2013 focus primarily on applying microsoft security patches and updates that address the integer overflow in the tcpip.sys driver. microsoft released security bulletin ms11-060 which contained the necessary fixes to resolve this vulnerability in affected operating systems. organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems receive the appropriate updates. network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional protection by limiting access to closed ports and reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual udp packet patterns can help identify exploitation attempts. the vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and vulnerability management programs. organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues within their network infrastructure. additionally, disabling unnecessary network services and ports can reduce the exposure surface for this and similar vulnerabilities. the remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and services. continuous monitoring of system logs and network traffic for signs of exploitation attempts remains crucial for maintaining security posture against this and related vulnerabilities.