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CVE Record

CVE-2011-1873: win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista S...

win32k.sys in the kernel-mode drivers in Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, R2, and R2 SP1, and Windows 7 Gold and SP1 on 64-bit platforms does not properly validate pointers during the parsing of OpenType (aka OTF) fonts, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted font file, aka "Win32k OTF Validation Vulnerability."

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Windows kernel vulnerability can let an attacker run code through a specially crafted OpenType font file. The affected systems are older 64-bit Windows releases named in the CVE. Business urgency depends on whether any of those legacy systems remain in production or reachable through workflows that process untrusted documents or fonts.

Executive priority

Treat this as a legacy-system risk. If affected Windows versions remain, prioritize patching or retirement because the vulnerability reaches kernel-mode code execution through crafted font content. If no listed systems remain, residual priority is low but should be documented.

Technical view

CVE-2011-1873 is improper pointer validation in win32k.sys while parsing OpenType fonts. The CVE states remote attackers can execute arbitrary code via a crafted font file. The source bundle names Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Server 2003 SP2, Vista, Server 2008 variants, and Windows 7 Gold/SP1 on 64-bit platforms.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where legacy 64-bit Windows systems listed by the CVE still exist and can encounter untrusted OTF fonts through documents, web content, email attachments, or file shares. The bundle does not identify affected non-Microsoft products.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not show CISA KEV inclusion or another cited active exploitation claim. The attack condition described is processing a crafted font file, which creates practical risk for endpoints or servers handling untrusted content.

Researcher notes

The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, and detailed patch metadata beyond MS11-041 references. Do not infer modern Windows exposure from this record. Validate only the listed platforms and use vendor guidance or OVAL content for scanner mapping.

Mitigation direction

  • Review Microsoft MS11-041 for the applicable security update and guidance.
  • Patch or retire affected legacy Windows systems still present in the environment.
  • Inventory 64-bit Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, and Windows 7 systems.
  • Limit handling of untrusted font-bearing documents on systems that cannot be patched.
  • Document any compensating controls for unsupported systems until removal.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether any listed Windows versions remain in asset inventory.
  • Check patch status against Microsoft MS11-041 applicability.
  • Use the referenced OVAL definition where supported by your scanner.
  • Review endpoint and server roles that process untrusted documents or fonts.
  • Verify unsupported systems are isolated, decommissioned, or risk-accepted.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2011-1873 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.