CVE-2002-0367
HighExploitedPublic exploitsmss.exe debugging subsystem in Windows NT and Windows 2000 does not properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs, which allows local users to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges by duplicating a handle to a privileged process, as demonstrated by DebPloit.
Published Jun 25, 2002 · Updated Apr 16, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2002-0367 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 2000 (Microsoft), Windows Nt (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 13, 2002. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 4.9% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
4.9%
Higher than 92.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2002-0367 brief as a PDF
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Description
smss.exe debugging subsystem in Windows NT and Windows 2000 does not properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs, which allows local users to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges by duplicating a handle to a privileged process, as demonstrated by DebPloit.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Mar 13, 2002 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows NtMicrosoft | 4.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Mar 13, 2002
Publicly disclosed
Jun 25, 2002
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Apr 16, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management
References
- advisory20020326 Re: DebPloit (exploit)
- advisory20020327 Local Security Vulnerability in Windows NT and Windows 2000
- advisory4287
- patchMS02-024
- patchwin-debug-duplicate-handles(8462)
FAQ
Common Questions.
smss.exe debugging subsystem in Windows NT and Windows 2000 does not properly authenticate programs that connect to other programs, which allows local users to gain administrator or SYSTEM privileges by duplicating a handle to a privileged process, as demonstrated by DebPloit.
Affected: Windows 2000 (Microsoft); Windows Nt (Microsoft) versions 4.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Mar 13, 2002.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 24, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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