CVE-2009-1923

Heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) component for Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 and Server 2003 SP2 allows remote attackers to…

published August 12, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
25%
Percentile
97.9
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky heap-based buffer overflow is hiding in WINS! Remote attackers could exploit this vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 and Server 2003 SP2 with just a crafted replication packet. 😱 Think of this as a delivery truck that miscalculates its load capacity — too many packages jammed inside could cause it to topple over, leading to chaos during delivery. Similarly, this miscalculation in buffer length opens the door for mischief! If exploited, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the affected systems, potentially gaining full control and wreaking havoc. It's like giving someone the keys to your house but forgetting to check if they should really have them!

Put simply

Think of this as a delivery truck that miscalculates its load capacity — too many packages jammed inside could cause it to topple over, leading to chaos during delivery. Similarly, this miscalculation in buffer length opens the door for mischief! This vulnerability arises from a flaw in the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) that mishandles buffer lengths in replication packets, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory and execute malicious code.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the affected systems, potentially gaining full control and wreaking havoc. It's like giving someone the keys to your house but forgetting to check if they should really have them! To safeguard your systems, ensure that you are using updated and supported versions of Windows. Consider disabling WINS if not needed, or implement network-level protections to filter incoming packets. Regular security audits can also help catch these vulnerabilities early. You've got this! With these steps, you can bolster your defenses and keep your systems safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.24658 · 97.9th percentile
Published
2009-08-12T17:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 12 AUG 17:00Z
    Heap-based buffer overflow in the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) component for Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 and Server 2003 SP2 allows remote attackers to…
    cvelistv5