Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, and XP using NTFS could allow files to be hidden

win-ntfs-file-hiding (8043) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP using NTFS (NT file system) could allow a local attacker to hide malicious files or viruses on the system. NTFS has a 32000 character path limit, but Microsoft Windows systems have a 256 character path limit. A local attacker could create directories on the file system using the "SUBST" command that exceed the 256 character limit. This could allow an attacker to place malicious files or viruses on a system, which would not be accessible using Windows Explorer and would fail detection by most virus scanning software.


Consequences:

Bypass Security

Remedy:

No remedy available as of July 9, 2011.

References:

Platforms Affected:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows XP

Reported:

Jan 30, 2002

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