CVE-2010-0232
Microsoft Windows Kernel Exception Handler Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2010-0232 is a HIGH vulnerability in Microsoft Windows, carrying a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. The kernel in Microsoft Windows, when access to 16-bit applications is enabled on a 32-bit x86 platform, does not properly validate certain BIOS calls, which allows local users to gain privileges. Exploitation typically occurs through a local attacker or malware running on the system that leverages this kernel-level vulnerability to escalate from user-level to SYSTEM privileges, enabling full control over the compromised host. This CVE is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-03-24. With an EPSS score of 0.72621 (98.75th percentile), this vulnerability exhibits substantial real-world exploitation activity.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| microsoft | windows 2000 | - |
| microsoft | windows 7 | - |
| microsoft | windows xp | - |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/archive/2010/01/20/security-advisory-979682-released.aspx(Broken Link)
- http://lists.immunitysec.com/pipermail/dailydave/2010-January/006000.html(Broken Link)
- http://lock.cmpxchg8b.com/c0af0967d904cef2ad4db766a00bc6af/KiTrap0D.zip(Broken Link, Exploit)
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2010/Jan/341(Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/38265(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- http://securitytracker.com/id?1023471(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/979682.mspx(Broken Link, Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/509106/100/0/threaded(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/37864(Broken Link, Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA10-040A.html(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2010/0179(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2010/ms10-015(Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/55742(Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A8344(Broken Link)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-0232(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
Vulnerability Classification
At the time of analysis, no specific CWE classification has been formally assigned to CVE-2010-0232. The vulnerability in Microsoft Windows involves a flaw that allows attackers to compromise affected systems. The vulnerability resides in the Windows kernel's handling of virtual 8086 mode (VM86) and the Virtual DOS Machine (VDM) subsystem. A flaw in how the kernel validates and processes #GP (General Protection) trap handlers allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges. The exploitation technique involves manipulating processor state during mode transitions between 16-bit virtual mode and protected mode, a complex but well-documented attack surface in the Windows kernel architecture. Despite the absence of a formal CWE designation, the vulnerability's inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog and its CVSS score of 7.8 confirm that it poses a serious, actively exploited threat.
The HIGH severity rating indicates that successful exploitation has substantial consequences for affected organizations. Given the widespread deployment of Microsoft Windows, this vulnerability represents a significant attack surface that demands immediate attention regardless of formal weakness classification.
Impact Analysis
CVE-2010-0232 carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) with the following impact characteristics.
Confidentiality (HIGH): An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to all data accessible by the affected component. In the context of Microsoft Windows, this can include sensitive configuration data, user credentials, proprietary business information, and any data the application processes or stores.
Integrity (HIGH): Successful exploitation enables an attacker to modify, corrupt, or destroy data within the affected system. This includes the potential to tamper with system files, install backdoors or persistent malware, alter critical configurations, and manipulate application logic to serve malicious purposes.
Availability (HIGH): The vulnerability can be exploited to cause complete denial of service, rendering the affected system or application unavailable to legitimate users. System crashes, infinite loops, or resource exhaustion may persist until manual administrative intervention restores normal operation.
Scope (Unchanged): The exploitation impact is contained within the security scope of the vulnerable component itself. While the damage within that scope can be severe with full compromise of the affected application, lateral impact on other systems requires additional exploitation steps.
With an EPSS score of 0.72621 (98.75th percentile), this vulnerability ranks among the most likely to be exploited in the wild, placing it well above the vast majority of all cataloged vulnerabilities in terms of real-world exploitation activity.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2010-0232 demonstrates significant exploit maturity with confirmed active exploitation in the wild.
Active exploitation: This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming that it has been observed being actively exploited by threat actors. The KEV designation mandates federal agencies to apply remediation within a defined timeframe and serves as a strong signal of real-world risk.
Ransomware association: As of the current KEV catalog data, no direct ransomware association has been confirmed for CVE-2010-0232. However, the vulnerability's characteristics and confirmed exploitation in the wild mean it remains a viable vector for various threat actors including cybercriminals and advanced persistent threat groups.
Public exploits: Public exploit code is available, significantly lowering the barrier for exploitation. Known exploit references include entries on Exploit-DB and additional vulnerability databases. The availability of weaponized code means that both sophisticated threat actors and less-skilled attackers can target this vulnerability with minimal development effort.
KEV remediation deadline: CISA set a remediation deadline of 2022-03-24 for federal agencies, underscoring the urgency of patching. Organizations beyond the federal sector should treat this deadline as a strong indicator of the risk level and prioritize remediation accordingly.
Remediation
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Apply vendor-provided security patches immediately. Apply updates per vendor instructions. Consult the official security advisory for specific patch versions and deployment guidance.
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Verify affected product versions in your environment. Affected products include: Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows Xp. Conduct an inventory of all instances across your organization to ensure comprehensive patch coverage and prevent any unpatched systems from remaining exposed.
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Implement interim mitigations if immediate patching is not feasible. Apply the principle of least privilege to reduce the potential impact. Restrict local access to systems running affected software, implement application control measures, and consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement potential.
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Enable enhanced monitoring and detection. Configure intrusion detection systems and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2010-0232. Review security logs for indicators of compromise and establish alerting for anomalous behavior on systems running affected software.
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Conduct a post-patch vulnerability assessment. After applying patches, verify that the remediation was effective by running vulnerability scans against all previously affected systems. Confirm the vulnerability is no longer present and ensure no instances were missed during deployment.
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Review and update incident response procedures. Ensure your incident response plan accounts for potential exploitation of CVE-2010-0232. Document patching status and maintain evidence of remediation for compliance and audit purposes.
Technical Details
CVE-2010-0232 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Microsoft Windows. The kernel in Microsoft Windows, when access to 16-bit applications is enabled on a 32-bit x86 platform, does not properly validate certain BIOS calls, which allows local users to gain privileges.
Attack Vector: The attack vector is LOCAL, meaning exploitation requires the attacker to have local access to the target system or to trick a user into performing a local action such as opening a malicious file. While this limits remote exploitation, it remains highly exploitable through social engineering and phishing campaigns.
Attack Complexity: The attack complexity is LOW. Exploitation does not require specialized conditions, race conditions, or extensive preparation — making it accessible to a broad range of attackers including those with limited technical sophistication.
Prerequisites: The attacker requires low-level privileges on the target system. No user interaction is required for exploitation.
Underlying mechanism: The vulnerability resides in the Windows kernel's handling of virtual 8086 mode (VM86) and the Virtual DOS Machine (VDM) subsystem. A flaw in how the kernel validates and processes #GP (General Protection) trap handlers allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges. The exploitation technique involves manipulating processor state during mode transitions between 16-bit virtual mode and protected mode, a complex but well-documented attack surface in the Windows kernel architecture.
Affected products: Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows Xp. Organizations should cross-reference their deployed versions against this list to assess their exposure to this vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2010-0232?
CVE-2010-0232 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8) affecting Microsoft Windows. The kernel in Microsoft Windows, when access to 16-bit applications is enabled on a 32-bit x86 platform, does not properly validate certain BIOS calls, which allows local users to gain privileges. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild.
Which products are affected by CVE-2010-0232?
The vulnerability affects Microsoft products including Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows Xp. Organizations should consult the vendor's security advisory for the complete list of affected versions and available patches.
How do I fix CVE-2010-0232?
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Refer to the official vendor security advisory for specific patch downloads and deployment instructions. If immediate patching is not possible, implement interim mitigations such as restricting access to the vulnerable component, enabling enhanced monitoring, and educating users about potential attack vectors. Verify remediation effectiveness with post-patch vulnerability scanning.
How severe is CVE-2010-0232?
CVE-2010-0232 is rated HIGH with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. Its EPSS score of 0.72621 places it in the 98.75th percentile for exploitation likelihood, meaning it is more likely to be exploited than 98.8% of all known vulnerabilities. The KEV remediation deadline was 2022-03-24, and the vulnerability's confirmed active exploitation makes it a high-priority remediation target. Organizations should treat patching as urgent regardless of whether they believe they are currently targeted.
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