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1.9

Windows XP users can see other users' processes

CVE-2002-2283 · published 23 years ago
Summary

When the Fast User Switching feature is turned on in Windows XP, removing a user from the administrator group does not take away their ability to view all running programs from other users. This can let a former administrator peek at sensitive information that other users are working with. Disable Fast User Switching or verify that the "show processes from all users" permission is removed after changing group membership, and apply any available updates from Microsoft.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
microsoft windows_xp All versions
cpe:2.3:o:microsoft:windows_xp:*:*:home:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Microsoft Windows XP with Fast User Switching (FUS) enabled does not remove the "show processes from all users" privilege when the user is removed from the administrator group, which allows that us...
Microsoft Windows XP with Fast User Switching (FUS) enabled does not remove the "show processes from all users" privilege when the user is removed from the administrator group, which allows that user to view processes of other users.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
1.9 Low
Exploitation
2% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-264Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls
Timeline
Published31 Dec 2002
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2002-2283 · NVD
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