Microsoft Office Works WPS Converter contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Office Works WPS Converter contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of the .wps (Microsoft Works) file format by the affected software. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a crafted .wps file with the affected software. 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 products are vulnerable:
Microsoft Works 6-9 File Converter
Microsoft Office 2007 SP2
Microsoft Works 9.0
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.
A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user.
Microsoft has corrected this vulnerability by deprecating the vulnerable Microsoft Works converter.
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: MS12-028
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, the attacker could gain complete control over the system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of Microsoft Works .wps file format by the affected software.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a .wps file that contains crafted content with the affected software. When processed, the malicious content could cause a heap overflow memory corruption error. The attacker could take advantage of the memory corruption 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 affected 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
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Microsoft Works File Converter
6.0 Base | 7.0 Base | 8.0 Base | 9.0 Base
Associated Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Microsoft Works
9.0 Base
Microsoft, Inc.
Office
2007 Base, SP1, SP2
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