How severe is CVE-2009-0078?

CVE-2009-0078 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2009-0078 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-0078?

CVE-2009-0078 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-0078?

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-2009-0078 published?

CVE-2009-0078 was published on 2009-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-0078

CVE-2009-0078 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Published: 2009-04-15
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provider in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 does not properly implement isolation among a set of distinct processes that (1) all run under the NetworkService account or (2) all run under the LocalService account, which allows local users to gain privileges by accessing the resources of one of the processes, aka "Windows WMI Service Isolation Vulnerability."

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-0078?: The Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provider in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Server 2003 SP1 and SP2, Vista Gold and SP1, and Server 2008 does not properly implement isolation among a set of distinct processes that (1) all run under the NetworkService account or (2) all run under the LocalService account, which allows local users to gain privileges by accessing the resources of one of the processes, aka "Windows WMI Service Isolation Vulnerability."
How severe is CVE-2009-0078?: CVE-2009-0078 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2009-0078 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-0078?: CVE-2009-0078 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-0078?: 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-2009-0078 published?: CVE-2009-0078 was published on 2009-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp1:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:32_bit:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:itanium:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2008:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:*:x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_vista:gold:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:*:pro_x64:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:sp2:pro_x64:*:*:*:*:*

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