CVE Catalog

CVE-2006-3209

High
Published: Translated: NVD NIST

Summary

The Task scheduler (at.exe) on Microsoft Windows XP spawns each scheduled process with SYSTEM permissions, which may allow local users to gain privileges. The issue is disputed by third parties who state that the Task scheduler is limited to the Administrators group by default upon installation.

Risk Assessment

A local unprivileged user could exploit this vulnerability to obtain SYSTEM privileges, leading to full system compromise. However, due to default access restrictions on the Task scheduler, the risk may be lower in typical configurations.

Recommendation

Ensure that access to the Task scheduler (at.exe) is restricted to the Administrators group only. Consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows that is not affected by this vulnerability.

Related vulnerabilities

Original NVD description (English source)

The Task scheduler (at.exe) on Microsoft Windows XP spawns each scheduled process with SYSTEM permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges. NOTE: this issue has been disputed by third parties, who state that the Task scheduler is limited to the Administrators group by default upon installation

Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS