Security Bulletin
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS13-014 - Important
Vulnerability in NFS Server Could Allow Denial of Service (2790978)
Published: February 12, 2013
Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow denial of service if an attacker attempts a file operation on a read only share. An attacker who exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to stop responding and restart. The vulnerability only affects Windows servers with the NFS role enabled.
This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the NFS server handles a file operation. 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 Server 2008 R2 | |||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2012 | |||
| Windows Server 2012 (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Server Core installation option | |||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation) (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
| Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (KB2790978) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
Non-Affected Software
| Operating System |
|---|
| Windows XP Service Pack 3 |
| Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems |
| Windows Vista Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems |
| Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
| Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems |
| Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems |
| Windows RT |
| Server Core installation option |
| Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) |
| Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update
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 2790978.
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 February bulletin summary. For more information, see Microsoft Exploitability Index.
| Affected Software | NULL Dereference Vulnerability - CVE-2013-1281 | Aggregate Severity Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2008 R2 | ||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2012 | ||
| Windows Server 2012 | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Server Core installation option | ||
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems (Server Core installation) | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) | Important Denial of Service | Important |
| Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) | Important Denial of Service | Important |
NULL Dereference Vulnerability - CVE-2013-1281
A denial of service vulnerability exists when the Windows NFS server fails to properly handle a file operation on a read-only share. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to stop responding and restart.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2013-1281.
Mitigating Factors for NULL Dereference Vulnerability - CVE-2013-1281
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 access to the file share in order to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability could not be exploited by anonymous users.
- This vulnerability only affects Windows servers with the NFS role enabled.
Workarounds for NULL Dereference Vulnerability - CVE-2013-1281
Microsoft has not identified any workarounds for this vulnerability.
FAQ for NULL Dereference Vulnerability - CVE-2013-1281
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability.
What causes the vulnerability?
This vulnerability is caused when the Microsoft NFS server fails to properly handle a file operation.
What is NFS?
Network File System (NFS) is an industry standard protocol, defined in RFC 1094, that provides transparent, remote access to shared files across networks. Services for Network File System (NFS) provides a file-sharing solution for enterprises that have a mixed Windows and UNIX environment. Services for NFS enables users to transfer files between computers running the Windows operating system and UNIX-based computers using the NFS protocol.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to stop responding and restart.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by attempting to rename a file or folder on a read-only share.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Servers with the NFS Server role enabled are at risk from this vulnerability.
What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by correcting how the NFS server handles a file operation.
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 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 |
| Windows Server 2012 | No |
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 (All Supported Versions) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Windows Server 2012 | 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 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-KB2790978-x64.msu /quiet |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2790978-ia64.msu /quiet | |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported x64-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2790978-x64.msu /quiet /norestart |
| For all supported Itanium-based editions of Windows Server 2008 R2:\ Windows6.1-KB2790978-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 2790978 |
| 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.
| 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.
Windows Server 2012 (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 editions of Windows Server 2012:\ Windows8-RT-KB2790978-x64.msu /quiet |
| Installing without restarting | For all supported editions of Windows Server 2012:\ Windows8-RT-KB2790978-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, click Windows Update, and then click Installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
| File Information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2790978 |
| 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.
| 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
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
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 (February 12, 2013) Bulletin published.
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