Microsoft Works contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Works contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability exists because the affected software performs improper memory operations when handling Microsoft Word DOC files. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by attempting to convince a user to visit a malicious site or open a crafted RTF document. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user who is logged in. If the user holds administrative privileges, the attacker could completely compromise the system.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft Works version 9 is vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a link that directs a user to a malicious site or provide a file using an e-mail message or other means and use misleading language or instructions to persuade the user to follow the provided link or open the malicious file.
Microsoft has corrected this vulnerability by modifying the way the Microsoft Works handles parsing DOC documents.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the October 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 October 2012
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS12-065
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 administrative privileges, a complete system compromise could occur.
Technical Information
The vulnerability exists because the affected software improperly performs memory operations when parsing Microsoft Word DOC files.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by attempting to convince a user to visit a malicious site or open a malicious Microsoft Word DOC document. When the malicious files are processed by the affected software, a heap-based memory error condition may occur that the attacker could use to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user who is logged in. If the user holds administrative privileges, the attacker could completely compromise the system.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators may consider using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) scan tool to identify common security misconfigurations and missing security updates on system endpoints.
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 are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.
Administrators are advised to use an unprivileged account when browsing the Internet.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical 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 Microsoft 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
9.0 Base
Associated Products:
N/A
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