CVE-2009-1123
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe 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…
Published Jun 10, 2009 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-1123 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Windows 2000 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2003 (Microsoft), Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft) and 2 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 4, 2016. 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:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
4.9%
Higher than 91.9% 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-2009-1123 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 4, 2016 | 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
8 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2000Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2003Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows Server 2008Microsoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows VistaMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 10, 2009
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 4, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
References
- advisory1022359
- advisoryTA09-160A
- patchMS09-025
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
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."
Affected: Windows 2000 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2003 (Microsoft); Windows Server 2008 (Microsoft), among others. 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 Aug 4, 2016.
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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