Proof-of-concept code to exploit the Microsoft MSCOMCTL.OCX ActiveX control remote code execution vulnerability is publicly available.
Description
Microsoft software MSCOMCTL.OCX ActiveX control contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute code on a vulnerable system.
The vulnerability is due to the improper processing of crafted content by the ActiveX control when used by Internet Explorer. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a targeted user to visit a malicious website. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code in the context of the user who is logged in.
Proof-of-concept code that exploits this vulnerability is publicly available.
Microsoft has confirmed this vulnerability in a security bulletin and has released updated software.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft products are vulnerable:
Microsoft Office 2003 SP3 and prior
Microsoft Office 2003 Web Components SP3 and prior
Microsoft Office 2007 SP3 and prior
Microsoft Office 2010 32-bit Edition SP1 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for 32-bit Systems SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for Itanium-Based Systems SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for x64-based Systems SP4 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP3 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP3 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems SP3 and prior
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for 32-bit Systems
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for Itanium Based Systems
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Microsoft BizTalk Server 2002 SP1 and prior
Microsoft Commerce Server 2002 SP4 and prior
Microsoft Commerce Server 2007 SP2 and prior
Microsoft Commerce Server 2009
Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 R2
Microsoft Visual FoxPro 8.0 SP1 and prior
Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9.0 SP2 and prior
Visual Basic 6.0 Run-time
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a file or a link to a malicious website and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to open the file or follow the provided link.
Microsoft has corrected this vulnerability in an update that disables the affected Microsoft ActiveX control. It also replaces the vulnerable version of MSCOMCTL.OCX with a new control that does not contain the vulnerability.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the April 2012 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 April 2012.
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS12-027
Impact
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system with the privileges of the user. If the user holds elevated privileges, the attacker could completely compromise the affected system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is triggered when the MSCOMCTL.OCX ActiveX control is used in conjunction with Internet Explorer. This interaction could cause a corruption that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a malicious website. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system with the privileges of the user. If the user holds administrative privileges, a complete system compromise could occur.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Users are advised not to open unsolicited e-mail attachments. Users should verify that attachments are safe before opening them.
Users should verify that unsolicited links are safe to follow.
Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected 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.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Version 1, April 10, 2012, 12:19 PM: Microsoft MSCOMCTL.OCX ActiveX control contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute code on an affected system. Updates are available.
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