CVE-2012-4774

Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allow remote…

published December 12, 2012

CVSS
—
EPSS
21%
Percentile
97.5
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A cleverly crafted file name can lead to chaos: welcome to the "Windows Filename Parsing Vulnerability!" This sneaky flaw in older Windows systems could open the door for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. 🔥 Think of it like sending a pizza order with a misleading address — the delivery driver ends up at the wrong destination and chaos ensues! Here, the flawed filename or subfolder name directs the system to unallocated memory, causing unpredictable results. If successfully exploited, an attacker could execute their malicious code on the system, potentially gaining control or stealing sensitive information. This could result in a devastating breach of security, and while no widespread exploitation is reported, vigilance is key!

Put simply

Think of it like sending a pizza order with a misleading address — the delivery driver ends up at the wrong destination and chaos ensues! Here, the flawed filename or subfolder name directs the system to unallocated memory, causing unpredictable results. This vulnerability occurs in several versions of Microsoft Windows, where a crafted file or subfolder name causes operations to target unallocated memory, allowing attackers to manipulate system behavior and run arbitrary code.

What to do

If successfully exploited, an attacker could execute their malicious code on the system, potentially gaining control or stealing sensitive information. This could result in a devastating breach of security, and while no widespread exploitation is reported, vigilance is key! To protect yourself, consider upgrading your operating systems to versions not affected by this vulnerability. Additionally, ensure your systems are updated with the latest security patches and maintain strong file validation protocols. You've got this! By taking these steps, you can fortify your defenses and keep your systems secure. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.20766 · 97.5th percentile
Published
2012-12-12T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 12 DEC 00:00Z
    Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 allow remote…
    cvelistv5