Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Symbolic Link \?? privileges management

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.1$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component Symbolic Link Handler. The manipulation of the argument \?? leads to privileges management. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-1999-1317. The attack needs to be performed locally. There is not any exploit available. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Operating System) and classified as problematic. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component Symbolic Link Handler. The manipulation of the argument \?? with an unknown input leads to a privileges management vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-269. The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Windows NT 4.0 SP4 and earlier allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the symbolic link table in the \?? object folder using a different case letter (upper or lower) to point to a different device.

The weakness was released 12/31/1999 as confirmed knowledge base article (Website). The advisory is shared at support.microsoft.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-1999-1317. The exploitation is known to be easy. An attack has to be approached locally. Required for exploitation is a simple authentication. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. MITRE ATT&CK project uses the attack technique T1068 for this issue.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at X-Force (7398). marc.theaimsgroup.com is providing further details. Entry connected to this vulnerability is available at VDB-15160. Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.1

VulDB Base Score: 5.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.1
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Privileges management
CWE: CWE-269 / CWE-266
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

12/31/1999 🔍
12/31/1999 +0 days 🔍
06/22/2014 +5287 days 🔍
04/20/2026 +4320 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: microsoft.com
Product: microsoft.com

Advisory: support.microsoft.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-1999-1317 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-1999-1317
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-15161
X-Force: 7398 - Microsoft Windows NT symbolic link case elevation of privileges

Misc.: 🔍
See also: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 06/22/2014 17:03
Updated: 04/20/2026 05:45
Changes: 06/22/2014 17:03 (43), 04/07/2017 16:02 (12), 04/20/2026 05:45 (15)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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