Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of the Microsoft Internet Explorer colspan element processing arbitrary code execution vulnerability is publicly available.
Description
Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper processing of elements in web pages. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious website. If successful, the attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Functional code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, 8, and 9 are vulnerable when running on the following systems:
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 for Itanium-based Systems and prior
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 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.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the June 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 June 2012
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS12-037
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 completely compromise the system.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of constantly changed colspan in a fixed table layout. If colspan could be increased after initialization, it could trigger a heap-based buffer overflow.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view malicious web pages. Processing the web pages could trigger a buffer overflow. The attacker could use the buffer overflow condition to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the affected software.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
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.
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.
Users should verify that unsolicited links are safe to follow.
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 2, June 13, 2012, 12:04 PM: Additional technical information to describe the Microsoft Internet Explorer colspan element processing arbitrary code execution vulnerability is available.
Version 1, June 12, 2012, 12:32 PM: Microsoft Internet Explorer contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP2
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