CVE-2014-4971Windows Xp Vulnerability
Microsoft Windows XP SP3 does not validate addresses in certain IRP handler routines, which allows local users to write data to arbitrary memory locations, and consequently gain privileges, via a crafted address in an IOCTL call, related to (1) the MQAC.sys driver in the MQ…
Published Jul 26, 2014 · Updated May 6, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2014-4971 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v2) affecting Windows Xp (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 23% 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 public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.2
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
23%
Higher than 97.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
53/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
9
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
4
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
Microsoft Windows XP SP3 does not validate addresses in certain IRP handler routines, which allows local users to write data to arbitrary memory locations, and consequently gain privileges, via a crafted address in an IOCTL call, related to (1) the MQAC.sys driver in the MQ Access Control subsystem and (2) the BthPan.sys driver in the Bluetooth Personal Area Networking subsystem.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XpMicrosoft | See advisory | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 26, 2014
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- advisoryblogs.technet.com · accessing-risk-for-the-october-2014-security-up…
- advisory1031025
- exploitpacketstormsecurity.com · Microsoft-Bluetooth-Personal-Area-Networking-Bt…
- exploit20140718 KL-001-2014-002 : Microsoft XP SP3 BthPan.sys Arbitrary Write Privilege Escalation
- exploit20140718 KL-001-2014-003 : Microsoft XP SP3 MQAC.sys Arbitrary Write Privilege Escalation
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft Windows XP SP3 does not validate addresses in certain IRP handler routines, which allows local users to write data to arbitrary memory locations, and consequently gain privileges, via a crafted address in an IOCTL call, related to (1) the MQAC.sys driver in the MQ Access Control subsystem and (2) the BthPan.…
Affected: Windows Xp (Microsoft). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2014-4971 On Your Attack Surface?
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