Security Bulletin
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS12-055 - Important
Vulnerability in Windows Kernel-Mode Drivers Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (2731847)
Published: August 14, 2012 | Updated: October 10, 2012
Version: 2.1
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves one privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker logs on to the system and runs a specially crafted application. An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability.
This security update is rated Important for all supported releases of Microsoft Windows. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by correcting the way that the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory. 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. Most 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. None
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, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
Affected Software
| Operating System | Maximum Security Impact | Aggregate Severity Rating | Updates Replaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Server Core installation option | |||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation) (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (KB2731847) | Elevation of Privilege | Important | KB2718523 in MS12-047 replaced by KB2731847 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
I have already successfully installed the original KB2731847 update. Do I need to apply the KB2731847 update packages rereleased on October 9, 2012?
For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, the rereleased update only applies to systems on which the original update has not been installed. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 customers who have already successfully installed the original KB2731847 update on their systems do not need to take any action. Customers will not be reoffered this update if it is already installed on their systems.
For Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2, customers need to apply the rereleased KB2731847 update packages.
Why was this bulletin revised on October 9, 2012?
Microsoft revised this bulletin to rerelease the KB2731847 update for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2 to address an issue involving specific digital certificates that were generated by Microsoft without proper timestamp attributes. For more information, see Microsoft Security Advisory 2749655.
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.
Where are the hashes of the security updates?
The SHA1 and SHA2 hashes of the security updates can be used to verify the authenticity of downloaded security update packages. For the hash information pertaining to this update, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2731847.
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 lifecycle, see 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 lifecycle 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, see 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 August bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
| Affected Software | Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2527 | Aggregate Severity Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Server Core installation option | ||
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation) | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) | Important Elevation of Privilege | Important |
Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2527
An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when the Windows kernel-mode driver improperly handles objects in memory. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full administrative rights.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2012-2527.
Mitigating Factors for Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2527
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:
- An attacker must have valid logon credentials and be able to log on locally to exploit this vulnerability.
Workarounds for Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2527
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
FAQ for Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability - CVE-2012-2527
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is an elevation of privilege vulnerability.
What causes the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is caused when the Windows kernel-mode driver improperly handles objects in memory.
What is the Windows kernel-mode driver (win32k.sys)?
Win32k.sys is a kernel-mode device driver and is the kernel part of the Windows subsystem. It contains the window manager, which controls window displays; manages screen output; collects input from the keyboard, mouse, and other devices; and passes user messages to applications. It also contains the Graphics Device Interface (GDI), which is a library of functions for graphics output devices. Finally, it serves as a wrapper for DirectX support that is implemented in another driver (dxgkrnl.sys).
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 might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code in kernel mode. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full administrative rights.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would first have to log on to the system. An attacker could then run a specially crafted application that could exploit the vulnerability and take complete control over the affected system.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Workstations and terminal servers are primarily at risk. Servers could be at more risk if administrators allow users to log on to servers and to run programs. However, best practices strongly discourage allowing this.
What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting the way the Windows kernel-mode driver handles objects in memory.
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. The Microsoft TechNet Security website provides additional information about security in Microsoft products.
Security updates are available from Microsoft Update and Windows Update. Security updates are also available from the Microsoft Download Center. 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. 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, "MS12-001"), you can add all 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.
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.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) lets administrators scan local and remote systems for missing security updates as well as common security misconfigurations. For more information, see Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.
The following table provides the MBSA detection summary for this security update.
| Software | MBSA |
|---|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Yes |
| 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 see Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 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.
Systems Management Server
The following table provides the SMS detection and deployment summary for this security update.
| Software | SMS 2003 with ITMU | System Center Configuration Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 | Yes | Yes |
| 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. For customers remaining on SMS 2003 Service Pack 3, the Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (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 and that are supported by Windows Server Update Services. For more information about the SMS 2003 ITMU, see SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates. For more information about SMS scanning tools, see SMS 2003 Software Update Scanning Tools. See also Downloads for Systems Management Server 2003.
System Center Configuration Manager uses WSUS 3.0 for detection of updates. For more information, see System Center.
For more detailed information, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 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 components included with Application Compatibility Toolkit.
The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) contains the necessary tools and documentation to evaluate and mitigate application compatibility issues before deploying 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 Service Pack 3:\ WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x86-ENU.exe /quiet |
| For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:\ WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x64-ENU.exe /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For Windows XP Service Pack 3:\ WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x86-ENU.exe /norestart |
| For Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:\ WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x64-ENU.exe /norestart | |
| Update log file | KB273184-v2.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%$NTUninstallKB2731847-v2$\Spuninst folder |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2731847 |
| Registry Key Verification | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows XP:\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP\SP4\KB2731847-v2\Filelist |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows XP:\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows XP Version 2003\SP3\KB2731847-v2\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.
| 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.
Removing the Update
This security update supports the following setup 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.- Click Start, and then click Search.
- In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
- In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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-KB2731847-v2-x86-ENU.exe /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x64-ENU.exe /quiet | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2731847-v2-ia64-custom-ENU.exe /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2731847-v2-x86-ENU.exe /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003.WindowsXP-KB2731847-v2-x64-ENU /norestart | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2003: WindowsServer2003-KB2731847-v2-ia64-custom-ENU.exe /norestart | |
| Update log file | KB2731847-v2.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. |
| Removal Information | Use Add or Remove Programs item in Control Panel or the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB2731847-v2$\Spuninst folder |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2731847 |
| Registry Key Verification | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Server 2003\SP3\KB2731847-v2\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.
| 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.
Removing the Update
This security update supports the following setup 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.- Click Start, and then click Search.
- In the Search Results pane, click All files and folders under Search Companion.
- In the All or part of the file name box, type a file name from the appropriate file information table, and then click Search.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Vista:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-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 2731847 |
| 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.
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.- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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. - 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-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-ia64-custom.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet /norestart | |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008:\ Windows6.0-KB2731847-v2-ia64-custom.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 2731847 |
| 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.
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.- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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. - 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-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported 32-bit editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-x86.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported x64-based editions of Windows 7:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-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 2731847 |
| 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.
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.- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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. - 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-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-ia64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-x64.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2731847-v2-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 2731847 |
| 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.
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.- Click Start and then enter an update file name in the Start Search box.
- When the file appears under Programs, right-click the file name and click Properties.
- 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 files that are listed in the file information table may not be installed. - 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. - 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:
- Mateusz "j00ru" Jurczyk of Google Inc for reporting the Win32k Use After Free Vulnerability (CVE-2012-2527)
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 go to the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.
Support
How to obtain help and support for this security update
- Help installing updates: Support for Microsoft Update
- Security solutions for IT professionals: TechNet Security Troubleshooting and Support
- Help protect your computer that is running Windows from viruses and malware: Virus Solution and Security Center
- Local support according to your country: International Support
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 (August 14, 2012): Bulletin published.
- V2.0 (October 9, 2012): Revised bulletin to rerelease the KB2731847 update for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2. Customers using Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 do not need to apply the rereleased update packages to avoid an issue with digital certificates described in Microsoft Security Advisory 2749655. Customers using Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 need to apply the rereleased update packages to avoid an issue with digital certificates described in Microsoft Security Advisory 2749655.
- V2.1 (October 10, 2012): For the rereleased KB2731847 update, added an FAQ entry to provide deployment guidance. See the update FAQ for details.
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