CVE-2009-2514

win32k.sys in the kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, and Server 2003 SP2 does not correctly parse font code during construction of a…

published November 11, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
47%
Percentile
98.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky flaw in win32k.sys could let remote attackers take control of your system just by sending the right font! This "Win32k EOT Parsing Vulnerability" could lead to arbitrary code execution. 🔥 Think of win32k.sys as a restaurant kitchen that’s meant to interpret special ingredient lists. If it misreads a recipe for a fancy dish, the chef might whip up something dangerous that nobody asked for! An attacker could craft a malicious Embedded OpenType (EOT) font that, when processed, executes arbitrary code on the system. This could lead to unauthorized actions, potentially compromising sensitive data or even taking full control of the compromised machine. The risks are especially devastating for systems that have not yet patched this vulnerability!

Put simply

Think of win32k.sys as a restaurant kitchen that’s meant to interpret special ingredient lists. If it misreads a recipe for a fancy dish, the chef might whip up something dangerous that nobody asked for! The vulnerability occurs due to improper parsing of font code in win32k.sys, which is a part of the Windows kernel. When this happens, an attacker can exploit the flaw by sending specially crafted EOT fonts that the system fails to handle securely, executing arbitrary code in the kernel space.

What to do

An attacker could craft a malicious Embedded OpenType (EOT) font that, when processed, executes arbitrary code on the system. This could lead to unauthorized actions, potentially compromising sensitive data or even taking full control of the compromised machine. The risks are especially devastating for systems that have not yet patched this vulnerability! It's essential to ensure that your system is updated to the latest patches provided by Microsoft. For Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003 users, check for specific security updates that address this vulnerability to safeguard your environment. Regularly audit and monitor for any unusual activity as an additional precaution! You've got this! Stay vigilant, update your systems, and you'll be one step ahead of potential threats! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.47489 · 98.8th percentile
Published
2009-11-11T19:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 11 NOV 19:00Z
    win32k.sys in the kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, and Server 2003 SP2 does not correctly parse font code during construction of a…
    cvelistv5