Microsoft Office Publisher contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Office Publisher contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system.
This vulnerability exists due to improper processing of array index values within Publisher files. 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.
Microsoft confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft products are affected:
Publisher 2002 SP3 and prior
Publisher 2003 SP3 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
An attacker could not exploit this vulnerability without user interaction, increasing the difficulty of achieving a successful exploit. The attacker must convince a user to view a malicious document designed to trigger the exploit. To accomplish this goal, attackers will likely use either targeted or mass sending of e-mail messages with malicious documents as attachments to the e-mail messages. The attacker may also provide links to users within e-mail messages, directing users to malicious documents on remote file shares or websites.
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: MS10-103
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user. If that user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could execute code resulting in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
This vulnerability exists due to improper processing of array index values when converting Publisher documents using the pubconv.dll library.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a targeted user to view a malicious document. When viewed, the document could trigger memory corruption, which the attacker could leverage to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the available software updates.
Administrators may consider restricting access to the pubconv.dll library to prevent document conversion.
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 unsolicited e-mail attachments. Users should verify that attachments are safe before opening them.
Administrators may consider configuring Internet Explorer to prompt users before running Active Scripting or ActiveX controls by setting the Internet and Local Intranet security zone settings to High. Alternately, administrators could disable Active Scripting and ActiveX controls in these security zones.
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.
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