CVE-2010-4398
Microsoft Windows Kernel Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2010-4398 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Microsoft Windows kernel affecting Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2003 SP2, Server 2008, and Windows 7. The flaw results from improper validation of data passed from user mode, allowing a local authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode with elevated privileges. With an EPSS score of 0.08% (37.3rd percentile), this vulnerability has been targeted in post-exploitation scenarios. CISA has added CVE-2010-4398 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
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 7 | - |
| microsoft | windows server 2003 | - |
| microsoft | windows server 2008 | -; r2 |
| microsoft | windows vista | - |
| 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://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9988(Exploit, Issue Tracking)
- http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2010/11/25/new-windows-zero-day-flaw-bypasses-uac/(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/42356(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- http://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100127248(Third Party Advisory)
- http://twitter.com/msftsecresponse/statuses/7590788200402945(Not Applicable)
- http://www.exploit-db.com/bypassing-uac-with-user-privilege-under-windows-vista7-mirror/(Broken Link, Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/15609/(Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/529673(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/45045(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025046(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry)
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0324(Broken Link)
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2011/ms11-011(Patch, Vendor Advisory)
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12162(Broken Link)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-4398(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
CVE-2010-4398 is caused by improper input validation in the Windows kernel. The kernel does not adequately validate a buffer passed from user mode, allowing a local attacker to supply malformed data that triggers a kernel-mode buffer overflow and enables arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
Learn more: CWE-20 — Improper Input Validation
Impact Analysis
CVE-2010-4398 has a CVSS v2 base score of 7.2 (High), reflecting the serious impact of kernel-mode code execution. While exploitation requires local access and an authenticated session, the attacker gains full SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling complete control over the affected system. The EPSS score of 0.08% (37.3rd percentile) indicates limited but targeted exploitation, consistent with post-exploitation usage in advanced attack chains. Kernel-level privilege escalation is particularly dangerous as it bypasses all user-mode security controls and can be used to disable security software, establish persistent backdoors, and access any data on the system.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2010-4398 has been exploited in targeted attacks as a privilege escalation step following initial system compromise. CISA confirmed active exploitation by adding it to the KEV catalog. The vulnerability has been documented in the context of advanced persistent threat operations where attackers leverage kernel exploits after gaining initial user-level access. The EPSS score of 0.08% (37.3rd percentile) reflects the specialized nature of kernel-level exploitation.
Remediation
- Apply Microsoft security update MS11-011 which addresses the kernel privilege escalation vulnerability. Ensure all affected Windows systems are patched.
- Upgrade legacy operating systems including Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, and Server 2008 to currently supported Windows versions, as these systems no longer receive security updates.
- Enforce least privilege access across the organization, ensuring users do not have administrative privileges for routine tasks, which limits the utility of privilege escalation exploits.
- Deploy kernel exploit detection through EDR solutions that monitor for suspicious kernel-mode activity, system call anomalies, and privilege escalation patterns.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate legacy systems that cannot be immediately upgraded, reducing the attack surface and limiting lateral movement opportunities.
Technical Details
CVE-2010-4398 is a privilege escalation vulnerability (CWE-20) in the Microsoft Windows kernel caused by improper validation of a buffer supplied from user mode. When a local application makes certain system calls, the kernel copies user-supplied data into a kernel-mode buffer without properly validating its size or contents. This improper validation allows an attacker to craft input that overflows the kernel buffer, corrupting adjacent kernel memory structures. By carefully controlling the overflow data, the attacker can overwrite function pointers or other critical kernel data structures to redirect execution to attacker-controlled code running with full kernel privileges. The vulnerability affects the core Windows kernel component, making it exploitable on any system running the affected Windows versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2010-4398 being actively exploited?
Yes, CISA has confirmed active exploitation by including CVE-2010-4398 in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The vulnerability has been used in advanced attack chains for privilege escalation after initial compromise.
What products are affected by CVE-2010-4398?
Microsoft Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1 and SP2, Server 2003 SP2, Server 2008 (various configurations), and Windows 7 are affected. The vulnerability is in the core Windows kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2010-4398?
Apply Microsoft security update MS11-011. Given that the affected operating systems are end of life, migration to a currently supported Windows version is strongly recommended.
How severe is CVE-2010-4398?
CVE-2010-4398 has a CVSS v2 score of 7.2 (High) and enables privilege escalation from a standard user account to kernel-mode execution with SYSTEM privileges. While it requires local access, it provides the highest possible privilege level on the affected system.
Need Help With Vulnerability Management?
Our security experts can help you prioritize and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.