CVE-2012-0151KEV · OVERDUE

Microsoft Windows Authenticode Signature Verification Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High · published April 10, 2012

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1584
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
88%
Percentile
99.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ Your Windows system might be a target, and it’s easier than it should be! A sneaky flaw in the Authenticode Signature Verification allows attackers to unleash arbitrary code just by manipulating signed PE files. 🔥 Think of it like a trusted delivery service that fails to check if a package is tampered with. If someone cleverly modifies the contents of a supposedly safe package, they could sneak in dangerous items without raising any alarms. This vulnerability is absolutely devastating! If exploited, attackers can gain control and execute harmful programs on your system, potentially leading to data breaches, system malfunctions, or worse. It's like leaving your front door wide open for anyone to waltz in and wreak havoc.

Put simply

Think of it like a trusted delivery service that fails to check if a package is tampered with. If someone cleverly modifies the contents of a supposedly safe package, they could sneak in dangerous items without raising any alarms. The Authenticode Signature Verification function in various Windows versions does not fully validate the digest of signed PE files, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code via modified files. This allows user-assisted remote attacks to occur without proper checks.

What to do

This vulnerability is absolutely devastating! If exploited, attackers can gain control and execute harmful programs on your system, potentially leading to data breaches, system malfunctions, or worse. It's like leaving your front door wide open for anyone to waltz in and wreak havoc. To mitigate this risk, ensure your Windows systems are updated to the latest security patches. Disabling the use of the Authenticode Signature Verification function is also recommended until full remediation can be applied. Regularly audit software and files for integrity to prevent exploitation. You’ve got this! Staying proactive with updates and best practices will keep your systems safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.87658 · 99.8th percentile
Published
2012-04-10T21:00Z
KEV added
2022-06-08 · due 2022-06-22
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 08 JUN 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jun 22
    kev
  • 10 APR 21:00Z
    The Authenticode Signature Verification function in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2…
    cvelistv5