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Security Bulletin

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS12-001 - Important

Vulnerability in Windows Kernel Could Allow Security Feature Bypass (2644615)

Published: January 10, 2012 | Updated: February 22, 2012

Version: 1.1

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to bypass the SafeSEH security feature in a software application. An attacker could then use other vulnerabilities to leverage the structured exception handler to run arbitrary code. Only software applications that were compiled using Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2003 can be used to exploit this vulnerability.

This security update is rated Important for supported x64-based editions of Windows XP and all supported editions of Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that the Windows kernel loads structured exception handling tables. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. The majority of customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.

For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.

See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.

Known Issues. Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615 documents the currently known issues that customers may experience when installing this security update. The article also documents recommended solutions for these issues.

Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software 

Operating System Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2* Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2* Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1* Security Feature Bypass Important None
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 Security Feature Bypass Important None

*Server Core installation affected. This update applies, with the same severity rating, to supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, whether or not installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, Managing a Server Core Installation and Servicing a Server Core Installation. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.

Non-Affected Software

Operating System
Windows XP Service Pack 3

Where are the file information details?
Refer to the reference tables in the Security Update Deployment section for the location of the file information details.

I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. For more information about the product life cycle, visit the Microsoft Support Lifecycle website.

It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, see Select a Product for Lifecycle Information. For more information about service packs for these software releases, see Service Pack Lifecycle Support Policy.

Customers who require custom support for older software must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit the Microsoft Worldwide Information website, select the country in the Contact Information list, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ.

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

The following severity ratings assume the potential maximum impact of the vulnerability. For information regarding the likelihood, within 30 days of this security bulletin's release, of the exploitability of the vulnerability in relation to its severity rating and security impact, please see the Exploitability Index in the January bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.

Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0001 Aggregate Severity Rating
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2* Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2* Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1* Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 Important 
Security Feature Bypass		 Important
**\*Server Core installation affected.** This update applies, with the same severity rating, to supported editions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as indicated, whether or not installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see the TechNet articles, [Managing a Server Core Installation](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee441255(ws.10).aspx) and [Servicing a Server Core Installation](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff698994(ws.10).aspx). Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2; see [Compare Server Core Installation Options](http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/compare-core-installation.aspx). Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0001 ----------------------------------------------------------- A security feature bypass vulnerability exists in Windows due to the way the kernel loads the structured exception handling tables. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could bypass the SafeSEH defense-in-depth mechanism to facilitate exploitation of other vulnerabilities. To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see [CVE-2012-0001](http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=cve-2012-0001). #### Mitigating Factors for Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0001 Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation: - Only software applications that were compiled using Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2003 can be used to exploit this vulnerability. **Note** For help determining the product used to compile a particular software application, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2644615). #### Workarounds for Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0001 Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality: - **Recompile** **software** **using** **a newer version of** **Microsoft Visual** **C++** Only software applications that were compiled using Microsoft Visual C++ .NET 2003 can be used to exploit this vulnerability. To work around this issue, recompile the model using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005, Microsoft Visual C++ 2008, or Microsoft Visual C++ 2010. - **Enable** **Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP)** For Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 systems, see [How to enable Structured Exception Handling Overwrite Protection (SEHOP) in Windows operating systems](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956607) for instructions on enabling SEHOP for existing applications. #### FAQ for Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability - CVE-2012-0001 **What is the scope of the vulnerability?**  This is a security feature bypass vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could bypass the SafeSEH security feature to facilitate the exploitation of other vulnerabilities. **What causes the vulnerability?**  The vulnerability is caused when the Windows kernel loads a structured exception handling table into the "Load Configuration" PE header during binary execution. **What is the Windows kernel?**  The Windows Kernel is the core of the operating system. It provides system level services such as device management and memory management, allocates processor time to processes, and manages error handling. **What is the component affected by the vulnerability?**  Ntdll.dll is the component affected by the vulnerability. **What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?**  An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could bypass the SafeSEH security feature in a software application. An attacker could then use other vulnerabilities to leverage the structured exception handler to run arbitrary code. **How could an attacker exploit the** **vulnerability?**  In order to use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, an attacker would first have to bypass the SafeSEH security feature and then take advantage of this security bypass condition to exploit another vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. **What is** **the Structured** **Exception** **Handler?**  The Structured Exception Handler (SEH) is a mechanism in a software application for handling hardware and software exceptions. SEH enables programmers to have complete control over the handling of exceptions, provides support for debuggers, and is usable across all programming languages and machines. **What is** **SafeSEH?**  SafeSEH is a security feature that protects the Structured Exception Handler from being corrupted or hijacked in the event of a buffer overflow. **What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?**  Workstations and servers are at risk for this vulnerability. **What does the update do?**  The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that the Windows kernel loads structured exception handling tables. **When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?**  No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure. **When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?**  No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued. ### Update Information Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance ------------------------------------------- **Security Central** Manage the software and security updates you need to deploy to the servers, desktop, and mobile systems in your organization. For more information see the [TechNet Update Management Center](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=69903). The [Microsoft TechNet Security](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=21132) website provides additional information about security in Microsoft products. Security updates are available from [Microsoft Update](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=40747) and [](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=21130)[Windows Update](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=21130). Security updates are also available from the [Microsoft Download Center](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=21129). You can find them most easily by doing a keyword search for "security update." Finally, security updates can be downloaded from the [Microsoft Update Catalog](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=96155). The Microsoft Update Catalog provides a searchable catalog of content made available through Windows Update and Microsoft Update, including security updates, drivers and service packs. By searching using the security bulletin number (such as, "MS07-036"), you can add all of the applicable updates to your basket (including different languages for an update), and download to the folder of your choosing. For more information about the Microsoft Update Catalog, see the [Microsoft Update Catalog FAQ](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=97900). **Detection and Deployment Guidance** Microsoft provides detection and deployment guidance for security updates. This guidance contains recommendations and information that can help IT professionals understand how to use various tools for detection and deployment of security updates. For more information, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 961747](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/961747). **Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer** Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) allows administrators to scan local and remote systems for missing security updates as well as common security misconfigurations. For more information about MBSA, visit [Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer](http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx). The following table provides the MBSA detection summary for this security update. | Software | MBSA | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------| | Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | Yes | | Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | | Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | | Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | **Note** For customers using legacy software not supported by the latest release of MBSA, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services, please visit [Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer](http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx) and reference the Legacy Product Support section on how to create comprehensive security update detection with legacy tools. **Windows Server Update Services** Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) enables information technology administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to computers that are running the Windows operating system. For more information about how to deploy security updates using Windows Server Update Services, see the TechNet article, [Windows Server Update Services](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx). **Systems Management Server** The following table provides the SMS detection and deployment summary for this security update. | Software | SMS 2003 with ITMU | Configuration Manager 2007 | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|----------------------------| | Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | Yes | Yes | | Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Yes | Yes | | Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes | | Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes | | Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Yes | Yes | **Note** Microsoft discontinued support for SMS 2.0 on April 12, 2011. For SMS 2003, Microsoft also discontinued support for the Security Update Inventory Tool (SUIT) on April 12, 2011. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to [System Center Configuration Manager 2007](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb735860.aspx). For customers remaining on SMS 2003 Service Pack 3, the [Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sms/bb676783.aspx) (ITMU) is also an option. For SMS 2003, the SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU) can be used by SMS to detect security updates that are offered by [Microsoft Update](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=40747) and that are supported by [Windows Server Update Services](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=50120). For more information about the SMS 2003 ITMU, see [SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sms/bb676783.aspx). For more information about SMS scanning tools, see [SMS 2003 Software Update Scanning Tools](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sms/bb676786.aspx). See also [Downloads for Systems Management Server 2003](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sms/bb676766.aspx). System Center Configuration Manager 2007 uses WSUS 3.0 for detection of updates. For more information about Configuration Manager 2007 Software Update Management, visit [System Center Configuration Manager 2007](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb735860.aspx). For more information about SMS, visit the [SMS website](http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=21158). For more detailed information, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 910723](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910723): Summary list of monthly detection and deployment guidance articles. **Update Compatibility Evaluator and Application Compatibility Toolkit** Updates often write to the same files and registry settings required for your applications to run. This can trigger incompatibilities and increase the time it takes to deploy security updates. You can streamline testing and validating Windows updates against installed applications with the [Update Compatibility Evaluator](http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsvista/en/library/4279e239-37a4-44aa-aec5-4e70fe39f9de1033.mspx?mfr=true) components included with [Application Compatibility Toolkit](http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=24da89e9-b581-47b0-b45e-492dd6da2971&displaylang=en). The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying Microsoft Windows Vista, a Windows Update, a Microsoft Security Update, or a new version of Windows Internet Explorer in your environment. Security Update Deployment -------------------------- **Affected Software** For information about the specific security update for your affected software, click the appropriate link: #### Windows XP (all editions) **Reference Table** The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, **Deployment Information**, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
Deployment  
Installing without user intervention For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2644615-x64-enu.exe /quiet
Installing without restarting For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:
WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2644615-x64-enu.exe /norestart
Update log file KB2644615.log
Further information See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Restart Requirement  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching Not applicable
Removal Information Use Add or Remove Programs item in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB2644615$\Spuninst folder
File Information See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615
Registry Key Verification For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP Version 2003\SP3\KB2644615\Filelist

Note The update for supported versions of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition also applies to supported versions of Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition.

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

For more information about the installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 832475.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
Switch Description
**/help** Displays the command-line options.
**Setup Modes**
**/passive** Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.
**/quiet** Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.
**Restart Options**
**/norestart** Does not restart when installation has completed.
**/forcerestart** Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.
**/warnrestart\[:x\]** Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in *x* seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the **/quiet** switch or the **/passive** switch.
**/promptrestart** Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.
**Special Options**
**/overwriteoem** Overwrites OEM files without prompting.
**/nobackup** Does not back up files needed for uninstall.
**/forceappsclose** Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.
**/log:path** Allows the redirection of installation log files.
**/integrate:path** Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch.
**/extract\[:path\]** Extracts files without starting the Setup program.
**/ER** Enables extended error reporting.
**/verbose** Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly.
**Note** You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/262841).

Removing the Update

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Spuninst.exe Switches
Switch Description
**/help** Displays the command-line options.
Setup Modes
**/passive** Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.
**/quiet** Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.
Restart Options
**/norestart** Does not restart when installation has completed
**/forcerestart** Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.
**/warnrestart\[:x\]** Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in *x* seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the **/quiet** switch or the **/passive** switch.
**/promptrestart** Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.
Special Options
**/forceappsclose** Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.
**/log:path** Allows the redirection of installation log files.
**Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied**

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start, and then click Search.
    2. In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
    3. In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
    4. In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    5. On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.

  • Registry Key Verification

    You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.

    These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows Server 2003 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

**Inclusion in Future Service Packs** The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
**Deployment**
Installing without user intervention For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2644615-x86-enu.exe /quiet
  For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2644615-x64-enu.exe /quiet
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2644615-ia64-enu.exe /quiet
Installing without restarting For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2644615-x86-enu.exe /norestart
  For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2644615-x64-enu.exe /norestart
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2644615-ia64-enu.exe /norestart
Update log file KB2644615.log
Further information See the subsection, **Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance**
**Restart Requirement**  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching This security update does not support HotPatching. For more information about HotPatching, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 897341](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897341).
**Removal Information** Use **Add or Remove Programs** item in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\\$NTUninstallKB2644615$\\Spuninst folder
**File Information** See [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2644615)
**Registry Key Verification** HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Updates\\Windows Server 2003\\SP3\\KB2644615\\Filelist
**Note** The update for supported versions of Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition also applies to supported versions of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

Deployment Information

Installing the Update

When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix.

If you have previously installed a hotfix to update one of these files, the installer copies the RTMQFE, SP1QFE, or SP2QFE files to your system. Otherwise, the installer copies the RTMGDR, SP1GDR, or SP2GDR files to your system. Security updates may not contain all variations of these files. For more information about this behavior, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824994.

For more information about the installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 832475.

For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as hotfix, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684.

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches
Switch Description
**/help** Displays the command-line options.
Setup Modes
**/passive** Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.
**/quiet** Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.
Restart Options
**/norestart** Does not restart when installation has completed.
**/forcerestart** Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.
**/warnrestart\[:x\]** Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in *x* seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the **/quiet** switch or the **/passive** switch.
**/promptrestart** Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.
Special Options
**/overwriteoem** Overwrites OEM files without prompting.
**/nobackup** Does not back up files needed for uninstall.
**/forceappsclose** Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.
**/log:path** Allows the redirection of installation log files.
**/integrate:path** Integrates the update into the Windows source files. These files are located at the path that is specified in the switch.
**/extract\[:path\]** Extracts files without starting the Setup program.
**/ER** Enables extended error reporting.
**/verbose** Enables verbose logging. During installation, creates %Windir%\\CabBuild.log. This log details the files that are copied. Using this switch may cause the installation to proceed more slowly.
**Note** You can combine these switches into one command. For backward compatibility, the security update also supports many of the setup switches that the earlier version of the Setup program uses. For more information about the supported installation switches, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 262841](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/262841).

Removing the Update

This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Spuninst.exe Switches
Switch Description
**/help** Displays the command-line options.
**Setup Modes**
**/passive** Unattended Setup mode. No user interaction is required, but installation status is displayed. If a restart is required at the end of Setup, a dialog box will be presented to the user with a timer warning that the computer will restart in 30 seconds.
**/quiet** Quiet mode. This is the same as unattended mode, but no status or error messages are displayed.
Restart Options
**/norestart** Does not restart when installation has completed.
**/forcerestart** Restarts the computer after installation and force other applications to close at shutdown without saving open files first.
**/warnrestart\[:x\]** Presents a dialog box with a timer warning the user that the computer will restart in *x* seconds. (The default setting is 30 seconds.) Intended for use with the **/quiet** switch or the **/passive** switch.
**/promptrestart** Displays a dialog box prompting the local user to allow a restart.
Special Options
**/forceappsclose** Forces other programs to close when the computer shuts down.
**/log:path** Allows the redirection of installation log files.
**Verifying that the Update Has Been Applied**

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start, and then click Search.
    2. In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
    3. In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
    4. In the list of files, right-click a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Properties.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    5. On the Version tab, determine the version of the file that is installed on your system by comparing it to the version that is documented in the appropriate file information table.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.

  • Registry Key Verification

    You may also be able to verify the files that this security update has installed by reviewing the registry keys listed in the Reference Table in this section.

    These registry keys may not contain a complete list of installed files. Also, these registry keys may not be created correctly when an administrator or an OEM integrates or slipstreams this security update into the Windows installation source files.

Windows Vista (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
Deployment  
Installing without user intervention For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet
Installing without restarting For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet /norestart
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet /norestart
Further information See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Restart Requirement  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching Not applicable.
Removal Information WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.
File Information See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615
Registry Key Verification Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.
#### Deployment Information **Installing the Update** When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as *hotfix*, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684). This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches

Switch Description
/?, /h, /help Displays help on supported switches.
/quiet Suppresses the display of status or error messages.
/norestart When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
    2. When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
    3. On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    4. You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
    5. Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Windows Server 2008 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
Deployment  
Installing without user intervention For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-ia64.msu /quiet
Installing without restarting For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet /norestart
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet /norestart
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:
Windows6.0-KB2644615-ia64.msu /quiet /norestart
Further information See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Restart Requirement  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching Not applicable.
Removal Information WUSA.exe does not support uninstall of updates. To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.
File Information See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615
Registry Key Verification Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.
#### Deployment Information **Installing the Update** When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as *hotfix*, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684). This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches

Switch Description
/?, /h, /help Displays help on supported switches.
/quiet Suppresses the display of status or error messages.
/norestart When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
    2. When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
    3. On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    4. You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
    5. Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Windows 7 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
Deployment  
Installing without user intervention For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows 7:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet
Installing without restarting For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows 7:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x86.msu /quiet /norestart
For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet /norestart
Further information See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Restart Requirement  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching Not applicable.
Removal Information To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.
File Information See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615
Registry Key Verification Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.
#### Deployment Information **Installing the Update** When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as *hotfix*, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684). This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches

Switch Description
/?, /h, /help Displays help on supported switches.
/quiet Suppresses the display of status or error messages.
/norestart When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.
/warnrestart:<seconds> When combined with /quiet, the installer will warn the user before initiating restart.
/promptrestart When combined with /quiet, the installer will prompt before initiating restart.
/forcerestart When combined with /quiet, the installer will forcefully close applications and initiate restart.
/log:<file name> Enables logging to specified file.
/extract:<destination> Extracts the package contents to the destination folder.
/uninstall /kb:<KB Number> Uninstalls the security update.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see "Windows Update Stand-alone Installer" in the TechNet article, Miscellaneous Changes in Windows 7.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Search box.
    2. When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
    3. On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    4. You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
    5. Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions)

Reference Table

The following table contains the security update information for this software. You can find additional information in the subsection, Deployment Information, in this section.

Inclusion in Future Service Packs The update for this issue will be included in a future service pack or update rollup
Deployment  
Installing without user intervention For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-ia64.msu /quiet
Installing without restarting For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-x64.msu /quiet /norestart
For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
Windows6.1-KB2644615-ia64.msu /quiet /norestart
Further information See the subsection, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Restart Requirement  
Restart required? Yes, you must restart your system after you apply this security update.
HotPatching Not applicable.
Removal Information To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, and then under Windows Update, click View installed updates and select from the list of updates.
File Information See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615
Registry Key Verification Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update.
#### Deployment Information **Installing the Update** When you install this security update, the installer checks whether one or more of the files that are being updated on your system have previously been updated by a Microsoft hotfix. For more information about the terminology that appears in this bulletin, such as *hotfix*, see [Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824684](http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684). This security update supports the following setup switches.

Supported Security Update Installation Switches

Switch Description
/?, /h, /help Displays help on supported switches.
/quiet Suppresses the display of status or error messages.
/norestart When combined with /quiet, the system will not be restarted after installation even if a restart is required to complete installation.
/warnrestart:<seconds> When combined with /quiet, the installer will warn the user before initiating restart.
/promptrestart When combined with /quiet, the installer will prompt before initiating restart.
/forcerestart When combined with /quiet, the installer will forcefully close applications and initiate restart.
/log:<file name> Enables logging to specified file.
/extract:<destination> Extracts the package contents to the destination folder.
/uninstall /kb:<KB Number> Uninstalls the security update.

Note For more information about the wusa.exe installer, see "Windows Update Stand-alone Installer" in the TechNet article, Miscellaneous Changes in Windows 7.

Verifying That the Update Has Been Applied

  • Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

    To verify that a security update has been applied to an affected system, you may be able to use the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) tool. See the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, earlier in this bulletin for more information.

  • File Version Verification

    Because there are several editions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your system. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

    1. Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
    2. When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
    3. On the General tab, compare the file size with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Depending on the edition of the operating system, or the programs that are installed on your system, some of the files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed.
    4. You can also click the Details tab and compare information, such as file version and date modified, with the file information tables provided in the bulletin KB article.
      Note Attributes other than the file version may change during installation. Comparing other file attributes to the information in the file information table is not a supported method of verifying that the update has been applied. Also, in certain cases, files may be renamed during installation. If the file or version information is not present, use one of the other available methods to verify update installation.
    5. Finally, you can also click the Previous Versions tab and compare file information for the previous version of the file with the file information for the new, or updated, version of the file.

Other Information

Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

  • Joshua J. Drake of Accuvant LABS for reporting the Windows Kernel SafeSEH Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2012-0001)

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Security Support or 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates. For more information about available support options, see Microsoft Help and Support.
  • International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support website.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

  • V1.0 (January 10, 2012): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (February 22, 2012): Added a link to Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2644615 under Known Issues in the Executive Summary.

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