Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-024

From: Jerry Bryant [MS] (jbryant@online.microsoft.com)
Date: 05/23/02 

From: "Jerry Bryant [MS]" <jbryant@online.microsoft.com>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 16:05:56 -0700

Title: Authentication Flaw in Windows Debugger can Lead to
            Elevated Privileges (Q320206)
Date: 22 May 2002
Software: Microsoft Windows
Impact: Elevation of Privilege
Max Risk: Critical
Bulletin: MS02-024

Microsoft encourages customers to review the Security Bulletin at:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS02-024.asp.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Issue:
======

The Windows debugging facility provides a means for programs to
perform diagnostic and analytic functions on applications as they are
running on the operating system. One of these capabilities allows for a
program, usually a debugger, to connect to any running program, and to take
control of it. The program can then issue commands to the controlled
program, including the ability to start other programs. These commands would
then execute in the same security context as the controlled program.

There is a flaw in the authentication mechanism for the debugging facility
such that an unauthorized program can gain access to the debugger. A
vulnerability results because an attacker can use this to cause a running
program to run a program of her choice. Because many programs run as the
operating system, this means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability
to run code as the operating system itself. She could take any action on the
system including deleting data, adding accounts with administrative access,
or reconfiguring the system.

A successful attack requires the ability to logon interactively to the
system, either at the console or through a terminal session. Also, an a
successful attack requires the introduction of code to exploit this
vulnerability. Because best practices recommends restricting the ability to
logon interactively on servers, this issue most directly affects client
systems and terminal servers.

Mitigating Factors:
====================
 - A successful attack requires the ability to logon interactively
   to the target machine, either directly at the console or
   through a terminal session. Best practices strongly militate
   against ever allowing an unprivileged user to interactively
   log onto business-critical systems such as ERP servers,
   database servers, domain controllers and the like.
   If these recommendations have been followed, the
   vulnerability would principally pose a threat only to
   systems like workstations and terminal servers.

 - A successful attack requires that the attacker be able to
   load code of her choice on the system. Restrictions on a
   user's ability to load and execute arbitrary code could
   potentially prevent a successful attack.

Risk Rating:
============
 - Internet systems: Low
 - Intranet systems: Moderate
 - Client systems: Critical

Patch Availability:
===================
 - A patch is available to fix this vulnerability. Please read the
   Security Bulletin at
   http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms02-024.asp
   for information on obtaining this patch.

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS
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WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT
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WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF
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DO
NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. 

--
Regards,
Jerry Bryant - MCSE, MCDBA
Microsoft IT Communities
Get Secure! www.microsoft.com/security
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Relevant Pages

  • High APAR - Microsoft: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-024: Authentication Flaw in Windows Debugge
    ... Authentication Flaw in Windows Debugger can Lead to ... A vulnerability results because an attacker can use ... A successful attack requires the ability to logon interactively ... issue most directly affects client systems and terminal servers. ...
    (Vuln-Dev)
  • RE: Problem with MFC extension DLL, threads, and .Net loader lock
    ... problem occurs outside the VS2005 debugger? ... that use Microsoft Foundation Classes version 8.0 in one or more DLL files. ... How about that mixed DLL, how do you use it in your application? ... Microsoft Online Community Support ...
    (microsoft.public.dotnet.languages.vc)
  • Re: Error Message- Ap has generated an excep- Help is Appreciated
    ... People who show unusual dedication to the newsgroup are recognized by Microsoft and given the title MVP, but no money. ... "Updnotif.exe is the Lacerte Internet Update notifier that runs in your system tray to notify you when Internet Updates are available. ... When I Click Cancel the following appears: UpNotif.Exe.-No Debugger found. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: Threads Per Process. Help!
    ... I just discovered that the "WaitForDebugEvent" has a limit of 64 ... Copyright Microsoft Corporation. ... All rights reserved. ... Does your debugger get notified for ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsce.platbuilder)