Vulnerability record

CVE-2010-4398

Microsoft Windows Kernel Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

HighExploitation confirmedCISA KEV

What should I do?

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run Windows, fix it now.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Apr 21, 2022.

Patch status

Official fix available since Sep 30, 2026

Apply the vendor's update to every affected system. Check the fixed-in versions below where known.

Basis: NVD patch reference

Patch or advisory on docs.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)

Description

Stack-based buffer overflow in the RtlQueryRegistryValues function in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, and Windows 7 allows local users to gain privileges, and bypass the User Account Control (UAC) feature, via a crafted REG_BINARY value for a SystemDefaultEUDCFont registry key, aka "Driver Improper Interaction with Windows Kernel Vulnerability."

Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database. Official vulnerability data, reproduced as published.

Affected products

Products affected by this vulnerability, with versions and the source of each entry
Product	Vendor	Source
Windows	Microsoft	KEV

Sources: KEV = CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Version details have not been published yet.

Intelligence timeline

Developments from the last 30 days, newest first.

CVSS scoredUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
CVE-2010-4398 scored CVSS 7.8: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Kernel Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
CISA lists this as exploited in the wild. Unpatched Windows systems are exposed to active attacks now.
Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database
Patch releasedUpdateKEVSep 30, 2026
Patch released for CVE-2010-4398: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Kernel Stack-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
An official fix is now available for Microsoft Windows. This vulnerability is being exploited, so apply it promptly.
Basis: NVD patch reference

1 earlier event is available with a subscription. See plans.

Coverage

We have not published a story about this vulnerability yet.

References

nvd.nist.gov https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2010-4398
isc.sans.edu http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=9988
nakedsecurity.sophos.com http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2010/11/25/new-windows-zero-day-flaw-bypasses-uac/
secunia.com http://secunia.com/advisories/42356
support.avaya.com http://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100127248
twitter.com http://twitter.com/msftsecresponse/statuses/7590788200402945
exploit-db.com http://www.exploit-db.com/bypassing-uac-with-user-privilege-under-windows-vista7-mirror/
exploit-db.com http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/15609/
kb.cert.org http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/529673
securityfocus.com http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/45045
securitytracker.com http://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025046
vupen.com http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0324
docs.microsoft.com https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2011/ms11-011
oval.cisecurity.org https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12162
cisa.gov https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2010-4398