Proof-of-concept exploit code is available for the Microsoft Office memory corruption vulnerability.
Description
Microsoft Office XP SP3 and prior contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
This vulnerability exists due to errors in processing Office Art Property Tables. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious document. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Proof-of-concept code that exploits this vulnerability is available.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft Office versions XP SP3 and prior are vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must rely on user interaction. The attacker must convince a user to open a malicious document on the system. Attackers may provide documents to users as e-mail attachments or posted on public websites. If the user views a malicious document, the attacker could trigger the execution of arbitrary code, possibly resulting in a complete compromise if that user holds elevated privileges.
Exploit code that demonstrates this vulnerability is available via a private exploit testing suite.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the October 2009 security bulletin release. This Cisco bulletin, which assists administrators in identifying or mitigating these vulnerabilities using Cisco devices, is available at the following link: Cisco Applied Mitigation Bulletin: Microsoft Security Bulletin Release for October 2009
Microsoft corrected this vulnerability by changing the way that Microsoft Office opens document files.
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS09-062
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, an exploit could result in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability exists during the processing of Office Drawing Format files, which Microsoft Office uses to represent shape and drawing information. The application fails to properly sanitize input in msofbtOPT Office Drawing Record type objects.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious Office document that contains a crafted msofbtOPT object property ID. When opened, this document could trigger heap-based memory corruption as the result of an overwritten object pointer. The attacker could leverage the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.
Users are advised not to open documents from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that files are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Users are advised to run applications with the least privileges necessary.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Patches/Software
Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the security bulletin. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and available on the Windows Update website. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Version 2, October 14, 2009, 11:06 AM: Additional technical information is available to describes the Microsoft Office memory corruption vulnerability.
Version 1, October 13, 2009, 2:28 PM: Microsoft Office contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. Updates are available.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Office
XP (2002) Base, SP1, SP2, SP3
Associated Products:
N/A
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