How severe is CVE-2001-1238?

CVE-2001-1238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2001-1238 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2001-1238?

CVE-2001-1238 affects Microsoft Windows 2000. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2001-1238?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2001-1238 published?

CVE-2001-1238 was published on 2001-07-16 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2001-1238

CVE-2001-1238 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows 2000 with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-178.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-178
Affected product: Microsoft Windows 2000
Published: 2001-07-16
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Task Manager in Windows 2000 does not allow local users to end processes with uppercase letters named (1) winlogon.exe, (2) csrss.exe, (3) smss.exe and (4) services.exe via the Process tab which could allow local users to install Trojan horses that cannot be stopped with the Task Manager.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2001-1238?: Task Manager in Windows 2000 does not allow local users to end processes with uppercase letters named (1) winlogon.exe, (2) csrss.exe, (3) smss.exe and (4) services.exe via the Process tab which could allow local users to install Trojan horses that cannot be stopped with the Task Manager.
How severe is CVE-2001-1238?: CVE-2001-1238 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2001-1238 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2001-1238?: CVE-2001-1238 affects Microsoft Windows 2000. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2001-1238?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2001-1238 published?: CVE-2001-1238 was published on 2001-07-16 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_2000:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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