CVE-2012-4786

The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7…

published December 12, 2012

CVSS
—
EPSS
24%
Percentile
97.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafted TrueType Font file could give attackers free reign over your system! We're talking about the potential for remote execution of arbitrary code, and that’s not something to take lightly. ⚡ Think of it like a sneaky guest slipping a forged invitation past the bouncer at a high-security event — once inside, they can do whatever they please without anyone batting an eye. If exploited, an attacker could execute their code as if they were a trusted user, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or even destabilization of your entire setup. It's like letting a wolf into the sheep pen — chaos could ensue!

Put simply

Think of it like a sneaky guest slipping a forged invitation past the bouncer at a high-security event — once inside, they can do whatever they please without anyone batting an eye. This vulnerability arises from the way kernel-mode drivers process certain TrueType Font (TTF) files in various Windows versions. An attacker simply needs to deliver a malicious TTF file, which the system unwittingly accepts and processes, leading to arbitrary code execution.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could execute their code as if they were a trusted user, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or even destabilization of your entire setup. It's like letting a wolf into the sheep pen — chaos could ensue! To protect against this vulnerability, ensure your systems are updated to the latest service packs and patches. Regularly review your security settings and consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent unapproved software execution. Don’t forget to regularly backup your data just in case! You've got this! With a few simple updates and precautions, you can keep your system secure and running smoothly. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.24213 · 97.8th percentile
Published
2012-12-12T00:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 12 DEC 00:00Z
    The kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, Windows 7…
    cvelistv5