Launch Printer Friendly Page Security TechCenter > Security Bulletins > Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-034

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-034 - Important

Vulnerability in WINS Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (948745)

Published: | Updated:

Version: 1.1

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) that could allow elevation of privilege. A local attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts.

This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The update removes the vulnerability by validating the data structures of network packets processed by WINS. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity.

Known Issues. None

Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software

Operating SystemMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingBulletins Replaced by this Update
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Service Pack 4Elevation of PrivilegeImportantMS04-045
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2Elevation of PrivilegeImportantNone
Windows Server 2003 x64 EditionElevation of PrivilegeImportantMS04-045
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2Elevation of PrivilegeImportantNone
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based SystemsElevation of PrivilegeImportantNone

Non-Affected Software

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4
Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

Memory Overwrite Vulnerability - CVE-2008-1451

Update Information

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Security Update Deployment

Other Information

Support

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.
  • International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

  • V1.0 (June 10, 2008): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (June 11, 2008): Added entry to Update FAQ to explain why the vulnerability is not a remote code execution vulnerability. Also added entry to Update FAQ to explain why the update will not be offered unless WINS has been enabled on the system.