Microsoft Windows 2000 Task Manager services.exe privileges management

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Microsoft Windows 2000. It has been classified as problematic. The affected element is an unknown function of the file winlogon.exe/csrss.exe/smss.exe/services.exe of the component Task Manager. Performing a manipulation results in privileges management. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2001-1238. The attack is only possible with local access. There is not any exploit available. This vulnerability has a historic impact because of its background and how it was received. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Microsoft Windows 2000 (Operating System). This affects an unknown code block of the file winlogon.exe/csrss.exe/smss.exe/services.exe of the component Task Manager. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a privileges management vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as 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. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Task Manager in Windows 2000 does not allow local users to end processes with uppercase letters named (1) winlogon.exe, (2) csrss.exe, (3) smss.exe and (4) services.exe via the Process tab which could allow local users to install Trojan horses that cannot be stopped with the Task Manager.

The issue has been introduced in 02/17/2000. The weakness was released 07/16/2001 as not defined posting (Bugtraq). The advisory is shared at securityfocus.com. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2001-1238. The exploitability is told to be easy. An attack has to be approached locally. The requirement for exploitation is a authentication. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 04/07/2017). MITRE ATT&CK project uses the attack technique T1068 for this issue. Due to its background and reception, this vulnerability has a historic impact.

The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 515 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $5k-$25k.

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (6919) and SecurityFocus (BID 3033†). Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Microsoft

Name

• Windows

Version

• 2000

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.microsoft.com/
• Product: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

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Entryinfo

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

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