Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code, allowing the attacker to gain escalated privileges. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code.
This vulnerability exists because an integer underflow may occur during data truncation. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a malicious program on the local system. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the kernel, granting the attacker escalated privileges.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates that correct it.
Warning Indicators
The follow Microsoft systems are affected:
Windows 2000 SP4 and prior
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker requires local system access in order to exploit this vulnerability. The attacker must also be able to load and execute a custom application on the vulnerable system. These access requirements reduce the risk of exploitation.
If an exploit is successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code and gain escalated privileges. Systems most at risk are shared hosts such as terminal servers or hosting platforms that may store data from many users and restrict user privileges as a means of access control. End-user systems under the administrative control of a single user have little practical impact as the result of an exploit.
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
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS09-058
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Windows kernel, granting the user elevated privileges, potentially resulting in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability exists due to errors in truncating 64-bit data types to 32-bit values. An integer underflow may occur when the kernel processes malformed data. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a malicious custom program on the affected system. By deliberately triggering an integer underflow, the attacker could manipulate kernel memory in such a way that the attacker could execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the available software updates.
Administrators are advised to only grant local system access to trusted users.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
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