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CVE-2011-0676

Windows - win32k.sys

Microsoft CVSS 7.8 Updated April 30, 2026

Executive Risk Summary

"A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application. This vulnerability affects various Windows operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7."

Anticipated Attack Path

  1. 1. Exploitation of the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability
  2. 2. Elevation of privileges
  3. 3. Execution of arbitrary code

Am I Vulnerable?

  • Verify the presence of the win32k.sys driver
  • Check for the existence of a crafted application
  • Monitor system logs for suspicious activity

Operational Audit Arsenal

Target Type System Driver
Target Asset win32k.sys
Standard Path C:\Windows\System32\drivers\win32k.sys
PowerShell
# 🛠️ Senior Engineer Universal Audit
# Target: win32k.sys (System Driver)
$Targets = 'win32k.sys'
$SearchPaths = @("$env:windir\System32", "$env:ProgramFiles", "${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}")

Get-ChildItem -Path $SearchPaths -Include $Targets -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | 
Select-Object FullName, @{Name="Version";Expression={$_.VersionInfo.ProductVersion}}

Patch Impact Forecast

Reboot Required Likely

System restart required

Internal Work Notes

Apply MS11-034 patch to address win32k.sys NULL pointer dereference vulnerability, which allows local privilege escalation.

Technical Intelligence & Operational Utilities • Delivered Weekly

Intelligence Sources

Official Advisoryhttp://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2011/04/12/ms11-034-addressing-vulnerabilities-in-the-win32k-subsystem.aspx
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/44156
Official Advisoryhttp://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133352
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/47220
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025345
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA11-102A.html
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0952
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2011/ms11-034
Official Advisoryhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/66405
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12416
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12474
Official Advisoryhttp://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2011/04/12/ms11-034-addressing-vulnerabilities-in-the-win32k-subsystem.aspx
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/44156
Official Advisoryhttp://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133352
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/47220
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securitytracker.com/id?1025345
Official Advisoryhttp://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA11-102A.html
Official Advisoryhttp://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2011/0952
MSRC Advisoryhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/2011/ms11-034
Official Advisoryhttps://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/66405
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12416
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12474

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Data compiled from NVD, MSRC, and CISA KEV Catalog. Intelligence synthesized via AI. Scripts provided for diagnostic purposes under MIT License.