Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-015 - Moderate
Blended Threat Vulnerability in SearchPath Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (959426)
Published: | Updated:
Version: 1.1
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability in the Windows SearchPath function that could allow elevation of privilege if a user downloaded a specially crafted file to a specific location, then opened an application that could load the file under certain circumstances.
This security update is rated Moderate for all supported editions of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. On Microsoft Windows 2000, this update is only classified as a defense-in-depth change. Details are available in the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that Windows loads files from the desktop. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
This security update also addresses the vulnerability first described in Microsoft Security Advisory 953818.
Recommendation. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.
For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers consider applying the security update using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.
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
*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Where are the file information details?
The file information details can be found in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426.
How is this security update related to MS09-014?
The Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability, CVE-2008-2540, described in this security bulletin also affects Internet Explorer. Microsoft recommends that users also install the security update provided by MS09-014, Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (963027).
Does this update contain any security-related changes to functionality?
Yes. In addition to the changes that are listed in the Vulnerability Information section of this bulletin, this update includes a defense-in-depth change that introduces a new API, called SetSearchPathMode.
What does the SetSearchPathMode defense-in-depth change allow?
This new API allows for a per-process mode when using the SearchPath function to locate files. This allows applications to force the current directory to be searched after the application and system locations.
If I only apply this security update, will I be completely protected from the blended threat issue described in CVE-2008-2540?
No, you must also separately enable the defense-in-depth protection provided by the Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer, MS09-014. However, you must verify that enabling this defense-in-depth protection against the blended threat issue is appropriate for your environment.
To enable the defense-in-depth protection in Internet Explorer, enable the SearchPath feature control key described in the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update, in MS09-014. For more information about the blended threat issue, see Common Vulnerability and Exposure number CVE-2008-2540.
Why is Microsoft Windows 2000 listed in the Affected Software table without a security impact and a severity rating?
Microsoft Windows 2000 is listed without a security impact and a severity rating because this update does not have the same fix for Microsoft Windows 2000 as for other supported Windows operating systems. Instead, this update only has a defense-in-depth change specific to Microsoft Windows 2000.
Why is the fix for the blended threat issue in Microsoft Windows 2000 different than for other platforms?
The architecture for implementing the SetSearchPathMode function does not exist on the Microsoft Windows 2000 system, making it infeasible to eliminate the vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000. To do so would require rearchitecting a significant portion of the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, not just the affected component. The end result of such efforts would be sufficiently incompatible with Microsoft Windows 2000 that there would be no assurance that applications designed to run on Microsoft Windows 2000 would continue to operate on the rearchitected system. However, Microsoft is unaware of any valid attack vectors that would target this vulnerability on Microsoft Windows 2000.
Due to these architectural changes, for Microsoft Windows 2000, you must enable the defense-in-depth change specific to Microsoft Windows 2000 by using the registry key, HKLM\System\CCS\control\Session Manager\SafeDLLSearchMode. For instructions, please see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426. For more information, please see the MSDN article, Dynamic-Link Library Search Order.
What is the SearchPath function?
The SearchPath function is used to search for a specific file in a specified path. For more information, see the MSDN article, SearchPath Function.
What is the LoadLibrary function?
The LoadLibrary function loads the specified module into the address space of the calling process. The specified module may cause other modules to be loaded. For more information, see the MSDN article, LoadLibrary Function.
I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software versions or editions, visit Microsoft Product Support Services.
Customers who require custom support for older releases must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit Microsoft Worldwide Information, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the April bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
| Affected Software | Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2008-2540 | Aggregate Severity Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 | None | None |
| Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems* | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems* | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems | Moderate Elevation of Privilege | Moderate |
*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2008-2540
A blended threat elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way the SearchPath function in Windows locates and opens files on the system. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by convincing a user to download a specially crafted file to a specific location, and then open an application that could load the file under certain circumstances.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-2540.
Mitigating Factors for Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2008-2540
Microsoft has not identified any mitigating factors for this vulnerability.
Workarounds for Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2008-2540
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
FAQ for Blended Threat Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability - CVE-2008-2540
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a blended threat elevation of privilege vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system remotely. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
What causes the vulnerability?
Internet Explorer could open a specially crafted file from the desktop due to how the application libraries are located on the Windows system. A blended threat in which files may be downloaded to a user’s system without prompting could cause Internet Explorer to unintentionally load that downloaded file from the desktop rather than the Windows system.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could create a specially crafted file and then convince a user to download the file onto the desktop. The user would then have to launch an application that will open this specially crafted file. However, an attacker would have no way to force users to download such files and place the files on the desktop.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
All systems where users download files and launch applications, such as workstations and terminal servers are at risk from this vulnerability.
What does the update do?
The update modifies the search order for application libraries, such that the system directory is searched first before the current working directories. The update also provides a defense-in-depth change, a new API called SetSearchPathMode to help advanced users set the desired search order for the SearchPath function. For more on this defense-in-depth change, see also the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update.
Why is this vulnerability and the Blended Threat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability assigned the same CVE number (CVE-2008-2540) in MS09-014, Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (963027)?
CVE-2008-2540 affects both Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 and Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 on the one hand, and the SearchPath function of Windows on the other. Microsoft recommends that users also install the security update provided by MS09-014, Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (963027). The defense-in-depth change for this vulnerability in this update, the API called SetSearchPathMode, also corresponds to the fix in MS09-014. See also the FAQ, "Does this update contain any security-related changes to functionality?" in the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
Yes. This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed. It has been assigned Common Vulnerability and Exposure number CVE-2008-2540. This security update also addresses the vulnerability first described in Microsoft Security Advisory 953818.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Update Information
Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Manage the software and security updates you need to deploy to the servers, desktop, and mobile systems in your organization. For more information see the TechNet Update Management Center. The Microsoft TechNet Security Web site provides additional information about security in Microsoft products.
Security updates are available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update, and Office Update. Security updates are also available from the Microsoft Download Center. You can find them most easily by doing a keyword search for "security update."
Finally, security updates can be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The Microsoft Update Catalog provides a searchable catalog of content made available through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, including security updates, drivers and service packs. By searching using the security bulletin number (such as, "MS07-036"), you can add all of the applicable updates to your basket (including different languages for an update), and download to the folder of your choosing. For more information about the Microsoft Update Catalog, see the Microsoft Update Catalog FAQ.
Detection and Deployment Guidance
Microsoft has provided detection and deployment guidance for this month’s security updates. This guidance will also help IT professionals understand how they can use various tools to help deploy the security update, such as Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Office Update, the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), the Office Detection Tool, Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), and the Extended Security Update Inventory Tool. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 910723.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates as well as common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.
The following table provides the MBSA detection summary for this security update.
| Software | MBSA 2.1 |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 | Yes |
| Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Yes |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | Yes |
| Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 | Yes |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems | Yes |
For more information about MBSA 2.1, see MBSA 2.1 Frequently Asked Questions.
Windows Server Update Services
By using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), administrators can deploy the latest critical updates and security updates for Windows 2000 operating systems and later, Office XP and later, Exchange Server 2003, and SQL Server 2000. For more information about how to deploy this security update using Windows Server Update Services, visit the Windows Server Update Services Web site.
Systems Management Server
The following table provides the SMS detection and deployment summary for this security update.
| Software | SMS 2.0 | SMS 2003 with SUSFP | SMS 2003 with ITMU | Configuration Manager 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 | No | No | See Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below | Yes |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 | No | No | See Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems | No | No | See Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems | No | No | See Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below | Yes |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems | No | No | See Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below | Yes |
For SMS 2.0 and SMS 2003, the SMS SUS Feature Pack (SUSFP), which includes the Security Update Inventory Tool (SUIT), can be used by SMS to detect security updates. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2.0.
For SMS 2003, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU) can be used by SMS to detect security updates that are offered by Microsoft Update and that are supported by Windows Server Update Services. For more information about the SMS 2003 ITMU, see SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates. SMS 2003 can also use the Microsoft Office Inventory Tool to detect required updates for Microsoft Office applications. For more information about the Office Inventory Tool and other scanning tools, see SMS 2003 Software Update Scanning Tools. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2003.
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 uses WSUS 3.0 for detection of updates. For more information about Configuration Manager 2007 Software Update Management, visit System Center Configuration Manager 2007.
Note for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 with Service Pack 3 includes support for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 manageability.
For more information about SMS, visit the SMS Web site.
For more detailed information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 910723: Summary list of monthly detection and deployment guidance articles.
Update Compatibility Evaluator and Application Compatibility Toolkit
Updates often write to the same files and registry settings required for your applications to run. This can trigger incompatibilities and increase the time it takes to deploy security updates. You can streamline testing and validating Windows updates against installed applications with the Update Compatibility Evaluator components included with Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0.
The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Microsoft Windows Vista, a Windows Update, a Microsoft Security Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment.
Security Update Deployment
Affected Software
For information about the specific security update for your affected software, click the appropriate link:
Windows 2000 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue may be included in a future update rollup |
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: Windows2000-kb959426-x86-enu /quiet |
| Installing without restarting | For Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: Windows2000-kb959426-x86-enu /norestart |
| Update log file | For Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: kb959426.log |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update |
| HotPatching | Not applicable |
| Removal Information | For Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB959426$\Spuninst folder |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 |
| Registry Key Verification | For Microsoft Windows Service Pack 4: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows 2000\SP5\KB959426\Filelist |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.
For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed. |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /overwriteoem | Overwrites OEM files without prompting. |
| /nobackup | Does not back up files needed for uninstall. |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
| /extract[:path] | Extracts files without starting the Setup program. |
| /ER | Enables extended error reporting. |
| /verbose | Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly. |
Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.
Removing the Update
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed. |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
- File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start, and then click Search.
- In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
- In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
- In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
- Registry Key Verification
You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.
These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.
Windows XP (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP: Windowsxp-kb959426-x86-enu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-kb959426-x64-enu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP: Windowsxp-kb959426-x86-enu /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-kb959426-x64-enu /norestart | |
| Update log file | KB959426.log |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update |
| HotPatching | Not applicable |
| Removal Information | Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB959426$\Spuninst folder |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 |
| Registry Key Verification | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP\SP4\KB959426\Filelist |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP Version 2003\SP3\KB959426\Filelist |
Note For supported versions of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, this security update is the same as supported versions of the Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition security update.
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.
For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed. |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /overwriteoem | Overwrites OEM files without prompting. |
| /nobackup | Does not back up files needed for uninstall. |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
| /integrate:path | Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch. |
| /extract[:path] | Extracts files without starting the Setup program. |
| /ER | Enables extended error reporting. |
| /verbose | Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly. |
Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.
Removing the Update
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
- File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start, and then click Search.
- In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
- In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
- In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
- Registry Key Verification
You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.
These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.
Windows Server 2003 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003-kb959426-x86-enu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003.WindowsXP-KB959426-x64-enu /quiet | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003-KB959426-ia64-enu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003-kb959426-x86-enu /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003.WindowsXP-KB959426-x64-enu /norestart | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: Windowsserver2003-KB959426-ia64-enu /norestart | |
| Update log file | KB959426.log |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | This security update does not support HotPatching. For more information about HotPatching, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 897341. |
| Removal Information | Use Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB959426$\Spuninst folder |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 |
| Registry Key Verification | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Server 2003\SP3\KB959426\Filelist |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks to see if one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.
For more information about the installer, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed. |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /overwriteoem | Overwrites OEM files without prompting. |
| /nobackup | Does not back up files needed for uninstall. |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
| /integrate:path | Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch. |
| /extract[:path] | Extracts files without starting the Setup program. |
| /ER | Enables extended error reporting. |
| /verbose | Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly. |
Note You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports many of the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841.
Removing the Update
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /help | Displays the command-line options. |
| Setup Modes | |
| /passive | Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds. |
| /quiet | Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed. |
| Restart Options | |
| /norestart | Does not restart when installation has completed. |
| /forcerestart | Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first. |
| /warnrestart[:x] | Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in x seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the /quiet switch or the /passive switch. |
| /promptrestart | Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart. |
| Special Options | |
| /forceappsclose | Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down. |
| /log:path | Allows the redirection of installation log files. |
Verifying that the Update Has Been Applied
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
- File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start, and then click Search.
- In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
- In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
- In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.
Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.
Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
- Registry Key Verification
You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.
These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.
Windows Vista (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB959426-x86 /quiet For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB959426-x64 /quiet |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB959426-x86 /quiet /norestart For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista: Windows6.0-KB959426-x64 /quiet /norestart |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
- File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in Start Search.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click on the file name and click Properties.
- Under the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
- You may also click on the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
- Finally, you may also click on the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Windows Server 2008 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.
| Inclusion in Future Service Packs | The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup |
| Deployment | |
| Installing without user intervention | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-x86 /quiet For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-x64 /quiet For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-ia64 /quiet |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-x86 /quiet /norestart For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-x64 /quiet /norestart For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008: Windows6.0-KB959426-ia64 /quiet /norestart |
| Further information | See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance |
| Restart Requirement | |
| Restart required? | Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update. |
| HotPatching | Not applicable. |
| Removal Information | WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 |
| Registry Key Verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Deployment Information
Installing the Update
When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.
For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.
This security update supports the following setup switches.
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /?, /h, /help | Displays help on supported switches. |
| /quiet | Suppresses the display of status or error messages. |
| /norestart | When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation. |
Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.
Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.
- File Version Verification
Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.
- Click Start and then enter an update file name in Start Search.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click on the file name and click Properties.
- Under the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
- You may also click on the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
- Finally, you may also click on the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
- Aviv Raff for reporting the Blended Threat Vulnerability Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2008-2540)
Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)
To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.
Support
- Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
- 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 (April 14, 2009): Bulletin published.
- V1.1 (April 15, 2009): Added FAQs in the section, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update as well as in the Vulnerability section for CVE-2008-2540 to explain the relationship between CVE-2008-2540 in this bulletin and in MS09-014. Also added Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 959426 as a reference for instructions in implementing SetSearchPathMode in Microsoft Windows 2000.