Proof-of-concept code is publicly available that demonstrates the Microsoft Office SharePoint server office documents launcher service arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Description
Microsoft Office contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability exists due to improper processing of SOAP requests. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious requests to the targeted system. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code with limited privileges.
Proof-of-concept code that demonstrates this vulnerability is publicly available.
Microsoft confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft products are affected:
Office SharePoint Server 2007 32-bit editions SP2 and prior
Office SharePoint Server 2007 64-bit editions SP2 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must send malicious requests to the targeted system. SharePoint servers that are not accessible from the Internet may be more difficult to reach over the network, and would require an attacker to first gain access to internal networks.
An exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the guest account. Because the guest account has limited system access, the attacker could not gain complete control over the system 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 December 2010 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 December 2010
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS10-104
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system with the limited privileges of the guest user.
Technical Information
The vulnerability exists due to improper processing of SOAP requests by the SharePoint Office Document Conversions Launcher service.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious SOAP requests to the targeted application. When processed, the requests could trigger the execution of arbitrary code on the targeted system with the limited privileges of the guest account.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the available software updates.
Administrators may consider disabling the Office Document Conversions Launcher Service.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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 1, December 14, 2010, 2:16 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.
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