Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the local system with elevated privileges. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to execute arbitrary code on the local system with elevated privileges.
The vulnerability is due to improper processing of input received from user-mode applications. A local user could exploit this vulnerability by running a malicious program. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system with elevated privileges.
Microsoft confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft systems are affected:
Windows XP SP3 and prior
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 and prior for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Vista SP2 and prior
Windows Vista x64 Edition SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems SP2 and prior
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems SP2 and prior
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
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1
IntelliShield Analysis
Systems most at risk are shared hosts and terminal servers where many system users log in and hold only limited privileges as a means of security separation. Users on such shared systems may attempt to gain elevated privileges to access data from other users or take complete control over the system.
Single-user systems under the ownership of a single user and production servers that allow only administrative users to log in are at little risk because users of these systems already have administrative privileges and any exploits would not grant additional privileges to approved users.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the May 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 May 2012
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS12-034
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the local system with elevated privileges, possibly resulting in a complete system compromise.
Technical Information
To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have local account access. No further authentication is required. The vulnerability is due to improper processing of input received from user-mode applications by the Microsoft Windows win32k.sys kernel driver.
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by running a program that is designed to send malicious input to the Windows kernel driver. When processed, the input could trigger an error condition that the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code on the system with the elevated privileges of the Windows kernel.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local 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.
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.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
Associated Products:
N/A
Alerts and bulletins on the Cisco Security Intelligence Operations Portal are highlighted by analysts in the
Cisco Threat Operations Center and represent a subset of the comprehensive content that is available through Cisco Security IntelliShield Alert Manager Service.
This customizable threat and vulnerability alert service provides security staff with access to timely, accurate, and credible information about threats and vulnerabilities that may affect their environment. Cisco is pleased to offer a free trial of the service.
To register for full access, please visit the IntelliShield trial registration page.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER The urgency and severity ratings of this alert are not tailored to individual users; users may value alerts differently based upon their network configurations and circumstances. THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DO NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE ALERT, IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. INFORMATION IN THIS ALERT AND ANY RELATED COMMUNICATIONS IS BASED ON OUR KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE ALERTS AT ANY TIME.
