CVE-2012-1528 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Windows Shell in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7 Gold and SP1, Windows 8, and Windows Server 2012 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted briefcase, aka "Windows Briefcase Integer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The CVE-2012-1528 vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Windows Shell component that affects multiple versions of the microsoft windows operating system. This vulnerability specifically resides in the briefcase functionality, which is a legacy feature designed to manage and organize files across different storage locations. The flaw manifests when the system processes crafted briefcase files that contain maliciously constructed integer values, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by local attackers to escalate privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic integer overflow condition where an attacker crafts a briefcase file with oversized or malformed integer values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type being used. When the windows shell processes this malicious briefcase, the overflow causes unpredictable behavior in memory allocation and manipulation, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite critical memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow and under the ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with the capability to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system level access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by creating or modifying briefcase files on the target system, then executing them through normal user interaction or automated processes. The affected systems span across a wide range of microsoft windows versions including older systems like windows xp and server 2003, as well as newer releases such as windows 7 and server 2012, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous due to its broad exploitation surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1528 primarily involve applying the microsoft security update released in conjunction with this vulnerability, which addresses the integer overflow condition in the briefcase processing code. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems receive the appropriate patches and updates from microsoft. Additional protective measures include disabling the briefcase functionality entirely through group policy settings, implementing strict file access controls, and monitoring for suspicious briefcase file creation or modification activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in system components, particularly those that process user-supplied data, aligning with security best practices outlined in the software security principles and microsoft security guidelines.