Microsoft Security Bulletin MS12-042 - Important
Vulnerabilities in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2711167)
Published:
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability and one publicly disclosed vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerabilities could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker logs on to an affected system and runs a specially crafted application that exploits the vulnerability. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited remotely or by anonymous users.
This security update is rated Important for all 32-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003; Windows 7 for x64-based Systems; and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting the way that the Windows User Mode Scheduler handles a particular system request and the way that Windows manages BIOS ROM. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
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 apply the update at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.
See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.
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 System | Maximum Security Impact | Aggregate Severity Rating | Updates Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB2707511) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2633171 in MS11-098 replaced by KB2707511 |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (KB2707511) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2633171 in MS11-098 replaced by KB2707511 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
| Server Core installation option | |||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2709715) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2556532 in MS11-068 replaced by KB2709715 |
Non-Affected Software
| Operating System |
|---|
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems |
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
Vulnerability Information
Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
User Mode Scheduler Memory Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0217
BIOS ROM Corruption Vulnerability - CVE-2012-1515
Update Information
Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Security Update Deployment
Other Information
Acknowledgments
Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:
Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)
Support
How to obtain help and support for this security update
- Help installing updates: Support for Microsoft Update
- Security solutions for IT professionals: TechNet Security Troubleshooting and Support
- Help protect your computer that is running Windows from viruses and malware: Virus Solution and Security Center
- Local support according to your country: International Support
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 12, 2012): Bulletin published.
