Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system.
The vulnerability is due to insecure library loading in the Microsoft Windows Data Access Components. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a malicious file from a remote file share. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and has released updated software.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft Windows systems are affected:
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems SP1 and prior
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a link that directs a user to a malicious site and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to follow the provided link.
Microsoft has released a security advisory that explains insecure library loading vulnerabilities at the following link: 2269637
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the August 2011 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 August 2011
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS11-059
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, an exploit could allow the attacker to gain complete control over the system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to insecure library loading in the Microsoft Windows Data Access Components. When opening files, the component searches the working directory for additional libraries and opens any it finds. The attacker could leverage the behavior to execute arbitrary commands from malicious libraries.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a malicious file from a remote file share. When opened, the file could cause the vulnerable component to open malicious libraries in the shared directory and execute commands in the libraries, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open e-mail messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in e-mail messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.
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.
Microsoft has released a tool that could allow users to modify the insecure library loading behavior at the following link: 2264107
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.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows 7
for 32-bit systems SP1 | for x64-based systems Base, SP1
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows Server 2008 R2
Itanium-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1 | x64-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1
Associated Products:
N/A
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