Home Microsoft CVE-2011-1231
Back to Microsoft

CVE-2011-1231

Windows - win32k.sys

Microsoft CVSS 8.4 Updated April 30, 2026

Executive Risk Summary

"A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the win32k.sys kernel-mode driver, allowing 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 driver
Target Asset win32k.sys
Standard Path C:\Windows\System32\drivers
PowerShell
# 🛠️ Senior Engineer Universal Audit
# Target: win32k.sys (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 affected Windows systems to mitigate the win32k.sys NULL pointer dereference vulnerability.

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://osvdb.org/71737
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/44156
Official Advisoryhttp://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133352
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/47231
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/66413
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12036
Official Advisoryhttp://blogs.technet.com/b/srd/archive/2011/04/12/ms11-034-addressing-vulnerabilities-in-the-win32k-subsystem.aspx
Official Advisoryhttp://osvdb.org/71737
Official Advisoryhttp://secunia.com/advisories/44156
Official Advisoryhttp://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133352
Official Advisoryhttp://www.securityfocus.com/bid/47231
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/66413
Official Advisoryhttps://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A12036

Related Microsoft Threats

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