Software Engineering Institute

The Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) is described by Microsoft as "distributed transaction facility for Microsoft Windows platforms".

Microsoft Windows platforms may be vulnerable to a flaw in the MSDTC implementation caused by an unchecked buffer that may allow a remote, unauthenticated user to execute arbitrary code and take complete control of the system.

Microsoft Windows 2000 is vulnerable to remote, unauthenticated users exploiting this flaw from the network and locally. Microsoft Windows XP SP1 and Windows Server 2003 are vulnerable to local authenticated attackers exploiting this flaw. Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1 are not vulnerable.

Note that on Windows XP SP1 MSDTC Network DTC Access is allowed by default and if the service is started by any local user, the system may be vulnerable to remote, unauthenticated attacks. An administrator can disable the service and prevent a normal user from starting it. Windows Server 2003 is not configured by default to allow Network DTC Access, though the MSDTC service is started by default. If Network DTC Access is allowed by an administrator, the system may be vulnerable to remote, unauthenticated attacks.

Remotely-vulnerable systems listen on port 3372/tcp and a dynamic high TCP port.

Public reports indicate that exploit code is available for this vulnerability at this time.

A remote, unauthenticated attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code on a system.

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Please see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-051 for more information.