Microsoft Internet Information Services contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to access sensitive information on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) contains a vulnerability that could allow a local attacker to access sensitive information.
The vulnerability is due to insufficient access controls on a certain log file that may contain user credentials. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging in to an affected system and accessing the vulnerable log. If successful, the attacker may be able to access a system log file and access sensitive information. The attacker could use this information to launch additional attacks.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft Internet Information Services 7.5 is affected when installed on the following:
Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) SP1 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit and Itanium) SP1 and prior
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have system account access. In addition, IIS Operational logs are not enabled by default. This configuration and access requirement may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
Because attackers require system account access, trusted users with limited privileges may use this type of vulnerability as part of an insider attack.
Microsoft has corrected this vulnerability by modifying the permissions for the IIS Operational logs.
The Cisco Applied Intelligence team has created an Applied Mitigation Bulletin to address vulnerabilities that Microsoft disclosed in the November 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 November 2012
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS12-073
Impact
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This information could be used to launch additional attacks.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to insufficient file access permissions on the Operational log file.
A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging in to an affected system and accessing the vulnerable log. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain sensitive information, including user credentials. The attacker could use this information to launch additional attacks.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
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.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
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 service. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Internet Information Services (IIS)
7.5 Base
Associated Products:
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows 7
for 32-bit systems SP1 | for x64-based systems Base, SP1
Microsoft, Inc.
Windows Server 2008 R2
Itanium-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1 | x64-Based Systems Edition Base, SP1
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