How severe is CVE-2009-2653?

CVE-2009-2653 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.6, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2009-2653 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-2653?

CVE-2009-2653 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-2653?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2009-2653 published?

CVE-2009-2653 was published on 2009-08-03 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-2653

CVE-2009-2653 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.6. 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: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 4.6)
EPSS exploit prediction: 6% (92nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Published: 2009-08-03
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The NtUserConsoleControl function in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, and Server 2003 before SP1, allows local administrators to bypass unspecified "security software" and gain privileges via a crafted call that triggers an overwrite of an arbitrary memory location. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this report, stating that 'the Administrator to SYSTEM "escalation" is not a security boundary we defend.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-2653?: The NtUserConsoleControl function in win32k.sys in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, and Server 2003 before SP1, allows local administrators to bypass unspecified "security software" and gain privileges via a crafted call that triggers an overwrite of an arbitrary memory location. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this report, stating that 'the Administrator to SYSTEM "escalation" is not a security boundary we defend.
How severe is CVE-2009-2653?: CVE-2009-2653 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.6, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2009-2653 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 6% (92nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-2653?: CVE-2009-2653 primarily affects Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-2653?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2009-2653 published?: CVE-2009-2653 was published on 2009-08-03 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_server_2003:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:-:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:-:sp3:*:*:*:*:*:*

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