#VU5543 Reference count error in Windows and Windows Server - CVE-2010-2549

Vulnerability identifier: #VU5543

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2010-2549

CWE-ID: CWE-911

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Windows
Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Windows Server
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Microsoft

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

The vulnerability exists due to an error in Win32k.sys driver when updating reference count for an object. A local user can execute arbitrary code on the target system with SYSTEM privileges.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow an attacker to escalate privileges on vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: Vista

Windows Server: 2008

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External links
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms10-073.aspx

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.