Microsoft KB Archive/279336

= MS01-003: Patch Available for Winsock Mutex Vulnerability =

Article ID: 279336

Article Last Modified on 9/11/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 1
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 2
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5
 * Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a

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This article was previously published under Q279336



SYMPTOMS
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.



Windows NT 4.0
To 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 Post-Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a Security Rollup Package (SRP)

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Download Q2769336i.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 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 NOTE: Due to file dependencies, this hotfix requires Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4, Service Pack 5, or Service Pack 6a.

Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
To 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 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 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

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:

Download Q2769336i.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 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 NOTE: Due to file dependencies, this hotfix requires Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4, Service Pack 5, or Service Pack 6a.



Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft has confirmed that this problem may cause a degree of security vulnerability in Windows NT 4.0.

Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Microsoft 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

Additional query words: security_patch kbtsesrp

Keywords: kbbug kbfix kbgraphxlinkcritical kbqfe kbsecbulletin kbsechack kbsecurity kbsecvulnerability kbtse400presp7fix kbhotfixserver KB279336

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