Microsoft XML Core Services contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. Updates are available.
Description
Microsoft XML Core Services contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to errors in processing XML content. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to visit a malicious website. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability in a security bulletin and released software updates.
Warning Indicators
Microsoft XML Core Services versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 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 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 and prior
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems SP1 and prior
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 8 for x64-based Systems
Windows 2012
Windows RT
Microsoft XML Core Services version 5.0 is vulnerable when running on the following Microsoft applications:
Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Word Viewer
Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 3
Microsoft Expression Web SP2
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 Service Pack 3 (32-bit editions)
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 Service Pack 3 (64-bit editions)
Microsoft Groove Server 2007 Service Pack 3
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 January 2013 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 January 2013
Vendor Announcements
Microsoft has released a security bulletin at the following link: MS13-002
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 integer values when performing memory operations.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to view malicious XML content, likely as part of a remote website. The processing of the malicious XML content could cause Microsoft XML Core Services to perform invalid memory operations, triggering memory corruption. The attacker could use the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code on the system with the privileges of the user.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
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.
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.
Administrators may consider limiting access to the msxml3.dll or msxml6.dll libraries to prevent rendering of XML content.
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 Microsoft Update service. 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
Microsoft, Inc.
Word Viewer
2007 Base
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