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CVE-2003-1233: Pedestalsoftware Integrity Protection Driver: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

CVE-2003-1233 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 and affects Pedestalsoftware Integrity Protection Driver. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

Pedestal Software Integrity Protection Driver (IPD) 1.3 and earlier allows privileged attackers, such as rootkits, to bypass file access restrictions to the Windows kernel by using the NtCreateSymbolicLinkObject function to create a symbolic link to (1) \Device\PhysicalMemory or (2) to a drive letter using the subst command.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.1 9.8: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

  • Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
  • Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
  • Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
  • User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
  • Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
  • Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
  • Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
  • Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

Affected products

  • Pedestalsoftware Integrity Protection Driver: up to and including 1.3

References