Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft Windows contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to the improper handling of memory objects by the Windows Kernel support for font parsing. An authenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to view a malicious file embedded with malicious font data. Processing the malicious file could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, which could result in a complete system comprise.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
The following Microsoft products 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 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 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems
Windows Server 2012
Windows RT
IntelliShield Analysis
To exploit the vulnerability, the attacker may provide a file to the user and persuade the user to open or execute the file by using misleading language or instructions. The vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely without user interaction.
Microsoft has addressed this vulnerability by correcting the way that Windows font parsing handles objects in memory.
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: MS12-075
Impact
An authenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges on a targeted system. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, which could result in a complete system comprise.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to the improper handling of memory objects by the Windows Kernel support for font parsing.
An authenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view a malicious file embedded with malicious font data. Processing the malicious file could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, which could result in a complete system compromise.
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 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.
Signatures
Cisco Systems Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) 6.0
Home Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Media Center Edition 2005, Base, SP3 | Professional Edition Base, SP1, SP2, SP3 | Professional x64 (AMD/EM64T) Base, SP1, SP2 | Tablet PC Edition 2005, Base, SP3
Associated Products:
N/A
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