Article ID: 279336 - Last Review: September 11, 2007 - Revision: 5.4 MS01-003: Patch Available for Winsock Mutex VulnerabilityThis article was previously published under Q279336 On This PageSYMPTOMS Microsoft has released a patch that eliminates a security
vulnerability in Windows NT 4.0. This vulnerability could allow a malicious
user to run a special program to disable an affected computer's network
functionality. Like all other objects under Windows NT 4.0, mutexes (synchronization objects that govern access to resources) have permissions associated with them that govern how they can be accessed. However, a particular mutex that is used to govern access to a networking resource has inappropriately loose permissions. This could enable an attacker who has the ability to run code on a local computer to monopolize the mutex, thereby preventing any other processes from using the resource that it controls. This would have the effect of preventing the computer from participating on the network. The attacker would require interactive logon access to the affected computer. This significantly limits the scope of the vulnerability because, if normal security recommendations have been followed, unprivileged users are not granted interactive logon rights to critical computers such as servers. Unprivileged users typically are granted interactive logon rights to workstations and Terminal Servers. However, a workstation would not be a tempting target for an attacker, because the attacker could use this vulnerability to deny service only to himself or herself. The computers most likely to be affected would be Terminal Servers. RESOLUTIONWindows NT 4.0To resolve this problem, obtain the individual package referenced below or obtain the Windows NT 4.0 Security Rollup Package. For additional information on the SRP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:299444
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299444/EN-US/
)
Post-Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a Security Rollup Package (SRP)
The following file is available for download from the Microsoft
Download Center:Collapse this image  119591
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/119591/EN-US/
)
How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services
Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most
current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file
was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to
prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.
The English version of this fix should have the
following file attributes or later: Date Time Version Size File name Platform ---------------------------------------------------------------- 11/15/2000 11:14p 4.0.1381.7086 78,096 Mswsock.dll Intel 11/15/2000 11:14p 4.0.1381.7086 70,928 Ws2_32.dll Intel Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server EditionTo resolve this problem, either obtain the hotfix referenced in this section or the Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, Security Rollup Package (SRP). For additional information about the SRP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:317636
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317636/EN-US/
)
Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, Security Rollup Package
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to
correct the problem that this article describes. Apply it only to systems that
you determine are at risk of attack. Evaluate the computer's physical
accessibility, network and Internet connectivity, and other factors to
determine the degree of risk to the computer. See the associated
Microsoft
Security Bulletin
(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms01-003.mspx)
to help determine the degree of risk. This hotfix
may receive additional testing. If the computer is sufficiently at risk, we
recommend that you apply this hotfix now. To resolve this problem immediately, download the hotfix by following the instructions later in this article or contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support
(http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support)
Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for
support calls may be canceled, if a Microsoft Support Professional determines
that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will
apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the
specific update in question.
The
following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download
Center:Collapse this image 119591
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/119591/EN-US/
)
How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most
current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file
was posted. The file is stored on secure servers that prevent any unauthorized
changes to the file.The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: Date Time Version Size File name Platform ----------------------------------------------------------------- 12/19/2000 11:29a 4.0.1381.33472 78,096 Mswsock.dll Intel 12/19/2000 11:23a 4.0.1381.33472 70,416 Ws2_32.dll Intel STATUSWindows NT 4.0Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Windows NT 4.0.Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server EditionMicrosoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition.MORE INFORMATION For more information, please see the following Microsoft
Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms01-003.mspx
(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms01-003.mspx)
APPLIES TO
| Article Translations
|
| United States | Change | | | All Microsoft Sites |
Back to the top
|
