CVE-2009-0081

The graphics device interface (GDI) implementation in the kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1…

published March 10, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
32%
Percentile
98.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty Windows Metafile can unleash chaos! The GDI in older Microsoft Windows versions is like a security guard that forgot to check IDs at the door, letting in harmful code without a second glance. 🔥 Think of this vulnerability like a restaurant that allows any delivery driver to drop off food without verifying where it came from—anyone could send in a dish tainted with something dangerous! If someone hands over a malicious WMF or EMF file, it could lead to serious trouble for your system. An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on your machine, potentially gaining full control over it. Imagine someone slipping into your kitchen and cooking up all kinds of mischief without you even noticing! This could lead to data loss or corruption, putting your entire system at risk.

Put simply

Think of this vulnerability like a restaurant that allows any delivery driver to drop off food without verifying where it came from—anyone could send in a dish tainted with something dangerous! If someone hands over a malicious WMF or EMF file, it could lead to serious trouble for your system. The vulnerability arises from the GDI's failure to properly validate inputs from user mode, allowing crafted WMF and EMF files to bypass security. This gives attackers an opening to run their own code in a vulnerable system's kernel space.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code on your machine, potentially gaining full control over it. Imagine someone slipping into your kitchen and cooking up all kinds of mischief without you even noticing! This could lead to data loss or corruption, putting your entire system at risk. To mitigate this risk, consider upgrading to a more recent, supported version of Windows where this vulnerability is patched. Additionally, avoid opening unknown WMF or EMF files and enable security features that can help detect malware. You've got this! Stay vigilant, follow these steps, and your system will be more secure in no time! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.32106 · 98.3th percentile
Published
2009-03-10T20:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 10 MAR 20:00Z
    The graphics device interface (GDI) implementation in the kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1…
    cvelistv5