# CVE-2009-1123: Microsoft Windows Improper Input Validation Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2009-1123-microsoft-windows-improper-input-validation-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-03-03. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2009-1123 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-03-03

The kernel in multiple versions of Microsoft Windows fails to properly validate changes to unspecified kernel objects. This flaw, known as the Windows Kernel Desktop Vulnerability, allows local users to gain elevated privileges by executing a specially crafted application.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2009-1123 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2009-1123 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 3 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2009-1123?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 3 March 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4; Microsoft Windows XP SP2, SP3; Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2; Microsoft Windows Vista Gold, SP1, SP2; and 1 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2009-1123?** A patch was published on 2009-06-09: Microsoft released security bulletin MS09-025 to address this issue. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2009-1123 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2009-1123?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4
- Microsoft Windows XP SP2, SP3
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP2
- Microsoft Windows Vista Gold, SP1, SP2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 SP2

## Timeline

- 2009-06-09: patched: Microsoft released security bulletin MS09-025 to address this issue.
- 2022-03-03: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
- 2022-03-03: disclosed: NVD publication date.

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