CVE-2001-1238

Name: CVE-2001-1238
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2001-07-16T04:00:00+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 1.33%

Last modified Jun 16, 2026

CVE-2001-1238 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. Task Manager in Windows 2000 does not allow local users to end processes with uppercase letters named (1) winlogon.exe, (2) csrss.exe, (3) smss.exe and (4) services.exe via the Process tab which could allow local users to install Trojan horses that cannot be stopped with the Task Manager.. EPSS estimates a 1.33% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Task Manager in Windows 2000 does not allow local users to end processes with uppercase letters named (1) winlogon.exe, (2) csrss.exe, (3) smss.exe and (4) services.exe via the Process tab which could allow local users to install Trojan horses that cannot be stopped with the Task Manager.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.33%

67.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-178

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Microsoft	Windows 2000	All versions

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/197195Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/3033Broken Link, Patch, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/6919Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/197195Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/3033Broken Link, Patch, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry, Vendor Advisory
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/6919Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry

Timeline

Published: Jul 16, 2001
Last Modified: Jun 16, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2001-1238?

How severe is CVE-2001-1238?

CVE-2001-1238 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.33% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2001-1238?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2001-1238?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST