Windows NT starts a screen saver in the local system context and then immediately changes the context to match that of the logged on user. However, Windows NT does not verify that this change completed successfully. If the change fails, the screen saver is running in a privileged state that permits a specially programmed screen saver to use these privileges to elevate the security of the logged on user.
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Windows NT 4.0
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or
the individual software update. For information on obtaining the
latest service pack, please go to:
For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft
Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support
Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the
following address on the World Wide Web:
This hotfix has been posted to the following Internet location as Scrnsavi.exe (x86) and Scrnsava.exe (Alpha):
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Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may result in some degree of
security vulnerability in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT version 4.0 Service Pack 5.
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For more information on this issue, please see the following Microsoft Security Bulletin at:
For additional security related information about Microsoft products, visit the Microsoft Security Web site at:
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